8 outgoing lawmakers bid farewell at House sine die

Members of the 21st House of Representatives pose a group photo for the last time during their sine die at the chamber yesterday.
(FERDIE DE LA TORRE)

Eight outgoing members of the House of Representatives bid goodbye during the chamber’s sine die or final session on Capitol Hill yesterday.

Many of the eight outgoing lawmakers—Reps. Lorenzo I. Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan), Marco T. Peter (R-Saipan), Roman C. Benavente (R-Saipan), Jose I. Itibus (R-Saipan), Luis John DLG Castro (R-Saipan), Antonio SN Borja (R-Tinian) and Janet U. Maratita (R-Saipan), and Franklin R. Babauta’s (Ind-Saipan)—became somewhat emotional in their respective speeches, with Castro saying the past two years has not only been rewarding but also challenging.

“[In] the two years that we sat in this chamber to debate and discuss the issues of the day, we faced challenges that many of us didn’t expect to face,” Castro said.

Maratita said the 21st Legislature was bittersweet for her—bitter because there are some legislations that she wishes were enacted, bitter because of Super Typhoon Yutu that devastated the island and the livelihood of people, especially in her district, and bitter because of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to devastate not only the Marianas but also the world, but also sweet because, despite these many challenges, they were able to work together in the 21st Legislature that would help people get through these unprecedented times in CNMI history.

Itibus thanked his constituents in Precinct 3 for giving him the opportunity to serve them for two terms. “This is not the end of it. And let’s go out there and still do and reach out to our people out there,” Itibus urged other outgoing lawmakers.

Babauta said he appreciates the friendships that he shared with the lawmakers. “I hope that in the future, those of us that are not here will contact each other. And let’s come up here and challenge these guys. Let’s make comments. It’s our turn to stand over there and tell these guys to speak up,” said Babauta.

Borja said there’s no difference between the minority and the majority as, at the end of the day, they are still one for the people of the CNMI.

Benavente said he appreciates those who voted for him as well as to those who didn’t because they have contributed to the exercise of the democratic approach. Benavente said that, although he represents Precinct 1, he represents the people of the entire CNMI as a member of the Legislature.

Deleon Guerrero, Peter, Benavente, Itibus, and Castro did not succeed in their bids for re-election at the Nov. 3 general elections. Borja and Maratita did not seek re-election. Babauta filled the two months left in the term of then-representative Edwin K. Propst who had resigned.