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Mendiola lashes out at Benavente
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Posted on Jul 28 2000
House Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola yesterday lashed out at alleged attempt by one of his colleagues to block federal construction and development funds to Rota and Tinian.
The representative from Rota described such action as “disturbing,” especially in light of efforts by both island municipalities, which lag behind Saipan in terms of economic and infrastructure development, to seek more federal funding.
“Don’t you dare to come up [in the U.S. Congress] and block something we work hard for and we need badly,” Mr. Mendiola said in a speech during a House special session.
He did not name the colleague, but Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said he was referring to Rep. Diego T. Benavente who was quoted in a Washington Post article published in the July 26 issue.
The article, entitled “A ‘Petri Dish’ in the Pacific,” tackled close relations between U.S. House leaders to the CNMI House under Mr. Fitial’s leadership, noting actions by House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) to provide federal funding for local projects, such as airport runway improvement on the islands.
His aides are also seeking additional $350,000 to an energy and water bill to promote projects on the islands, according to the Post .
“I just see a very clear interference,” the newspaper quoted Mr. Benavente as saying in reference to Mr. DeLay’s efforts.
Mr. Mendiola reacted strongly on his comment, saying that this smacks of an attempt to block economic growth of the two less-developed islands. “I don’t want to hear that you are spearheading this,” he added.
Mr. Benavente, who was absent during the House session, is off-island, according to his office.
Other members expressed sadness over this matter, including Reps. Thomas B. Pangelinan, who is part of the minority block in the lower house, and Dino M. Jones.
“It’s very unfortunate because we have been meeting with Congress, federal agencies, departments and firms… We should be working cooperatively. If any of us has a problem, approach Rota or the Tinian delegation,” said Mr. Jones.
