Dela Cruz sworn in as Tinian senator

Senator-elect Jose M. Dela Cruz was officially sworn into the 12th CNMI Legislature during the first Senate regular session at the Tinian Courthouse last week.

Over 200 guests largely comprised of government officials from Saipan and Rota came to congratulate Senator Dela Cruz.

Present were Senate President Paul A. Manglona, the rest of the CNMI Senate, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, members of the 12th CNMI House of Representatives, the Rota Eighth Municipal Council and other supporters from Tinian.

“We have much to do in the years ahead,” said Mr. Dela Cruz in his speech. “I am truly honored to have been chosen by the people of Tinian during the special election. I am prepared to face the challenges placed before me.”

Mr. Dela Cruz. stressed the importance of cooperation and partnerships in leadership. “I believe that cooperation is the key to progress of Tinian as well as the entire Commonwealth. I look forward to working closely with our Mayor, the Eighth Tinian Municipal Council, the other Senate members, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Branch as we walk down the path toward our common goals.”

“We’ve been looking forward to his day,” said Mr. Manglona. “Now that we have three senators in the [Tinian] delegation we’ll be able to work closely together for [the] benefit of everyone in the CNMI.”

“We have great expectations of Senator Dela Cruz, and we look forward to two long years of service and commitment,” said Mr. Fitial.

“Now that the election is over, it is time for everyone to come together for Tinian,” said Tinian Mayor Francisco M. Borja.

“I’ve met with Senator Dela Cruz already and we’re ready to work together to try and solve the economic problems we are experiencing in the entire Marianas,” said Mr. Palacios.

“I myself will be working very closely with Senator Dela Cruz to try to bring out those promises that we’ve been telling our people during the campaigns. Most of them I am happy to say have been fulfilled,” said Mr. Cing.

“The significance of this leadership is that our plans for the people of Tinian and the Commonwealth and future plans, find completion, as long as this leadership remains in control for the next six years, which is my dream,” he added.

Mr. Dela Cruz fills the ninth seat vacated by former Senator Herman M. Manglona, who resigned halfway into his term in September 1999. Mr. was elected during the Special Election which was held on Tinian last Jan. 21, 2000.