Senate to confirm Wiseman today

The Senate Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigation Committee will confirm today David A. Wiseman as CNMI Associate Judge.

The confirmation virtually dismisses the so-called unfounded allegations hurled against the lawyer.

EAGI chair Joaquin Adriano told reporters yesterday the remaining roadblock for the scheduled confirmation of Mr. Wiseman which will be held in Rota today is Sen. Thomas P. Villagomez.

Mr. Villagomez until yesterday was reported to have been pressing for the opening of Mr. Wiseman’s sealed case on alleged bribery and land lease cases.

But Mr. Adriano maintained it is not necessary to re-investigate or re-open the case when even the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney General’s Office had already dismissed the case.

The senator further disclosed committee members already decided to confirm the lawyer despite several cases presented by Rep. Stanley Torres especially during the public hearing held last week.

“The committee won’t pursue it anymore, we know that he is capable. Based on his experience and financial report,” Mr. Adriano said.

Mr. Wiseman’s appointment has come as far as disclosure of his financial status and bulk of information provided by different individuals, but EAGI insists everything is insufficient to render him incapable.

Mr. Adriano added the lawyer’s confirmation also entails various legal assessment and evaluations. EAGI believes Mr. Wiseman can be trusted with the position.

As this developed, Mr. Wiseman said he was elated of his slated confirmation as Associate Judge. “It is a wonderful news, of course I will be there,” the lawyer said when asked of his reaction.

Aside from Mr. Wiseman, the committee will also confirm today Benjamin Manglona Jr. as Professional Licensing Board member and Vianey Hocog as Marianas Public Land Trust board member.

Earlier, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio urged the upper chamber to act with utmost responsibility in dealing with the confirmation of his appointees.

The governor had taken a hands-off approach on the confirmation of Mr. Wiseman amid allegations of bribery against him. Mr. Tenorio said this should allow the Legislature to decide on its own.

The governor gave EAGI a free hand to determine the culpability of the lawyer on bribery assaults filed against him. Allegations made against Mr. Wiseman include his involvement in a bribery incident back in 1986.

But Mr. Wiseman denied any involvement on the bribery allegations. He explained that he was only incriminated. CUC official Jesus Sasamoto revealed to FBI agents earlier that he received over $13,000 from the lawyer and Adrian Johnston of the Surf Hotel in exchange of a fixed rate for the hotel’s electricity consumption. (EGA)