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Teno eyes new nominee for Superior Court
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Posted on Jul 13 2000
Lawyer Eric Smith yesterday lost his chance to become a new judge in the Superior Court as his appointment expired without being confirmed by the Senate.
Expressing regret over bypassing of his recent judicial nominee, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said he is now choosing from a pool of several names to appoint to the post left vacant by former Associate Judge John A. Manglona.
“I respect the decision of the [Senate]. I always believe in the separation of power. I was hoping that at least the Senate [would] have a public hearing for his confirmation,” he told reporters yesterday when sought for comment.
Describing it as “unfortunate,” he said that he is considering other people to replace Mr. Smith as his choice for the position which has been vacant since the installation of now Supreme Court Associate Justice Manglona.
“There are several names that came out,” the governor explained, “but again I always try to make sure that if I send my nomination, [it is my hope] that the Legislature will take that into consideration.”
He added that “I always try to find how the Legislature feels if I am going to submit certain individuals or candidates” for government positions.
Mr. Smith, who worked at the Attorney General’s Office for Mr. Tenorio in the 1980’s, was nominated last April 13, along with Justice Manglona who was swiftly confirmed by the Senate.
Under the law, his appointment is effective for 90 days without the advice and consent of the senators. It expired yesterday with no word from the upper house.
Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, who has openly supported Mr. Smith, tried at the last minute to at least tackle the nomination in the leadership meeting, but members from Rota and Tinian had other schedules.
Executive Appointment and Governmental Investigations Committee chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano also could not be reached for comment since two days ago, although he had expressed reservation in the past over Mr. Smith’s nomination.
