Gag order at Commerce

More than a month after he was confirmed by the Senate, Commerce Secretary Andrew Salas issued an in-house order essentially banning the media from dealing directly with his staff.

Salas, a former congressman and deputy Labor secretary, said that no information can be given to the media without his approval.

The memorandum, dated Jan. 19, 2005, was actually a reiteration of his prior instructions.

“In furtherance to prior memorandums on the public releases of Commerce information. I would like to reiterate that the release of information to the media should be cleared through the Office of the Secretary,” said Salas.

In the order addressed to “management staff,” he said that when receiving inquiries from the media, they should get details “on exactly what information they are seeking and discuss the matter with me.”

“Before releasing any information, again, please ensure that the release has been cleared by me. Please ensure that all staff under your supervision are aware of this policy,” said Salas.

The secretary, however, has failed to make himself available for media interviews.

The Saipan Tribune tried to reach the secretary on different issues at different times but he has consistently failed to respond on all occasions.

The Saipan Tribune had wanted to get comments from the secretary, who is also the insurance commissioner, on labor bonding, the termination of his division director Jack Muna, and lately, on the 2005 CNMI household data survey.

In all instances, the secretary’s office and his mobile phone were repeatedly called but he has never acknowledged or responded to the calls.

“Although we want to give you the information, we can’t freely do that because we’re instructed not to grant interviews with you guys,” said one staff.

Another staff said that information was available “but it has to come from the secretary.”

Salas, who lost in the 2003 elections for a Senate seat, became a deputy Labor secretary in early 2004. He left the department to become the acting Commerce Secretary in September last year. He was confirmed to his current post in November 2004.

Salas had served as one-time congressman during the 13th Legislature. Before this, he was the Commerce’s director for Alcohol, Beverage, and Tobacco.