Bill to void 3-yr. limit hurdles first obstacle

The fate of nonresident workers toiling in the CNMI now hinges on the hands of the Senators.

This, after the House of Representatives yesterday passed in first and final reading legislation that would repeal Public Law 11-69, or which places a three-year limit on the stay of nonresident workers in the Northern Marianas.

House Bill 12-317 was sent into the upper chamber of the CNMI Legislature after 11 of the 13 lawmakers present during the lower house session approved its passage.

Rep. Dino M. Jones abstained from the voting citing conflict of interest. She said his employing a nonresident worker disqualifies his vote on the bill.

Meanwhile, Rep. Stanley Torres provided the lone opposition to the legislative measure authored by Rep. Maria “Malua” Peter.

The morning’s session, however, was not bereft of impassioned speeches. Rep. Heinz Hofschneider labeled the measure a “Deja vu” bill, saying it was the second limit on nonresident workers bill repealed by the House.

Mr. Hofschneider also criticized the Commonwealth’s abuse of Public Law 5-32, the law which gave the CNMI legal authority to hire nonresident workers.

“We have developed an economy that has perpetually relied on guest workers, so that without them the economy abruptly stops,” he lamented.

Rep. Diego Benavente, one who has opposed the three-year limit even from the start, said PL 11-69 should be repealed because it is impractical to begin with. He also believes the law would never work because the Commonwealth’s current situation won’t allow it.

While supporting the abrogation of the three-year limit law, Mr. Benavente, however, called on measures to lure CNMI residents and US citizens to the job market.

The former speaker hopes the uncertainty, panic and confusion brought about by the three-year limit law would end soon. The Philippine Consulate General, for instance, is already mapping out plans to help facilitate the exodus of its nationals from the CNMI.

For his part, House Speaker Benigno Fitial remarked that the Commonwealth should strive to turn government around from an employment agency to a training agency. He also urged that only applicants who are qualified should be hired in government.

The House of Representatives’ affirmative action on the law’s repeal comes as a good sign to the business community, a sector who has doggedly campaigned against its implementation.

Richard Pierce, Saipan Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman, said he expects the Senate to move in favor of the elimination of the three-year limit law.

“We are very pleased the House has passed the repeal of the three-year limit, we hope the Senate gets rid of this burdensome law,” the concurrent Executive Director of the Saipan Garment Manufacturers’ Association and Chairman of the Government Relations Committee remarked.

Public Law 11-69 was signed into law by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio in March 1999. It forces nonresident workers to leave the commonwealth after three consecutive years of employment in the CNMI and be allowed to seek re-employment after a six-month hibernation in their home country.