House leadership defends session amid storm

The House leadership has shrugged off a complaint aired by one of the members over its recent decision to conduct session at the height of tropical storm Saomai last week.

Rep. Diego T. Benavente criticized the holding of the session last Thursday despite what he claimed as dangers to the safety of the House members and their staff.

Although Saoami was downgraded from a typhoon to a tropical storm after it weakened upon closest approach to the islands, government offices were closed for two days in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rains.

But members of the House leadership maintained the government should not have shut down that long since the storm did not pose dangers to island residents.

“It’s common sense,” said Rep. Malua T. Peter, adding that if the weather condition was bad enough, they would not hesitate suspending the session and sending their staff home.

Rep. Dino M Jones echoed her sentiment, noting the policy on closing government offices would not have been approved if it’s not for the benefit of the CNMI people.

“If it’s a typhoon, then all branches of the government should be closed with the exception of essential services. Other than that, we should remain open to continue our services to the public,” he explained. “It was only a storm. It was not a typhoon.”

Others questioned the move of Mr. Benavente as they cited his leadership in the previous Legislature where sessions were held only when they felt the need to conduct one.

“Our House rules state that we should have regular session for a number of days and special sessions when there is compelling need to do so,” said one member.

Mr. Benavente has urged the House leadership to amend its rules to allow suspension of the session during emergency situations, like typhoons.

The lower house began on Aug. 8 its second regular session which runs for 30 days. So far, representatives have already met for 20 days.

Mr. Benavente claimed there was no pressing need to hold sessions last Sept. 6 and 7 when the storm lashed across the islands.

“We are putting people’s lives in danger when we call sessions during typhoons,” he told his colleagues last Thursday’s session. “We should give consideration to the staff, specially during Typhoon Condition I.”

Thirteen members of the 18-seat chamber were present at the Sept. 7 session. Fifteen attended on Wednesday, excluding Mr. Benavente who was absent.