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Hearing set on Sablan’s appointment to CEC board
Apatang among witnesses invited to testify on Sablan’s nomination
Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations has set a public hearing this Wednesday, Dec. 14, for the appointment of former special assistant for Women’s Affairs Remedio Reyes Sablan to serve as a member of the Commonwealth Election Commission representing the Third Senatorial District, or Saipan and the Northern Islands.
EAGI Committee chair Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz (R-Tinian) said in a notice Wednesday that they will convene the public hearing to hear and review Sablan’s credentials in the Senate chamber at 9:30am.
Cruz requested several witnesses, including Saipan Mayor and lieutenant governor-elect David M. Apatang, to be present and may provide comments during the public hearing.
Also invited as witnesses are representative from the Governor’s Office, members of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, CEC executive director Kayla S. Igitol, and CEC members. All private citizens are also invited to come and testify.
To ensure written testimonies are properly received by the committee, Cruz said that members of the public shall submit their written testimony no later than 5pm of the scheduled public hearing date. Any written testimony sent via email may be sent to Jolyn B. Duenas-Tagabuel, senior legislative assistant, at tagabuelj.la@gmail.com.
The senator said anyone who wishes to present oral testimony is encouraged to inform his office no later than 24 hours prior to the public hearing.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres appointed the 71-year-old Sablan last Nov. 29. The appointment requires the advice and consent of the Senate. If confirmed, Sablan will serve a four-year term, which will expire on July 21, 2025.
The CEC currently has seven board members. Five commissioners are needed to have a quorum.
Jesus I. Sablan, 74, who has chaired the CEC board since 2018, has disclosed that he will soon resign due to health reasons.
