Teno nixes wider scope of state funeral

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has nixed a proposal widening the scope of those entitled to a state funeral under an existing law, citing the need to keep the “rare honor” given to few exceptional individuals in the island community.

A bill had sought inclusion of a long list of government officials who would be entitled to such ceremony, aside from those already in the list when the State Funeral Law was enacted last year.

Mr. Tenorio said the measure would only revert back to former practice where almost anyone can be given a state honors, adding that it has shown to be problematic.

Aside from adding former mayors and legislators to the eligibility list, it would include “others deemed appropriate by the governor,” in the absence of any specific criteria as guidelines to avoid problems, he said.

“The proposed amendment should be specific enough to only allow for those. . . who have truly exhibited exceptional accomplishments, contributions, or bravery to the benefit of the people,” the governor said in vetoing HB 12-154.

Sponsored by Rep. Thomas B. Pangelinan, the proposal was prompted by the death of retired Marine Corporal Cristino S. Dela Cruz last March a few days after he was awarded the Purple Heart medal for heroism during World War II.

He was not given a state funeral because he did not fall under the category set forth in PL 11-92, although many believed that he deserved such an honor.

The present policy grants state funerals to present and former governors and lieutenant governors, current mayors and members of the Legislature and resident representative to the United States as well as judges and justices. Police and fire officers killed in the line of duty are also included.

Lawmakers proposed the amendment to expand the list by adding former officials and other individuals deemed appropriate by the governor.

But Mr. Tenorio maintained this would only make state funerals commonplace in the CNMI, thus losing their meaning and the honor attached to them.

He prodded lawmakers instead to decide for themselves whether an individual is worthy of state funeral in a joint legislative resolution.

“It is more appropriate to rely on the wisdom of elected representatives of the community to make such a decision,” said the governor.

While the House attempted to recall the bill from the Governor’s Office to avoid the looming veto, the Senate failed to act on it as it has not had a session for nearly a month.