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Non-Covenant members in House leadership promised top posts
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Posted on Jan 08 2006
Non-Covenant Party members who have aligned themselves with the majority will hold key positions in the 15th House of Representatives, which will convene today.
Incoming Speaker Oscar Babauta revealed Friday that Democrat Representatives Justo Quitugua and Florencio “Bobby” Deleon Guerrero will be the vice speaker and floor leader, respectively.
Republican Rep. Martin Ada, who has joined the majority despite his own party’s efforts to install Rep. Arnold Palacios to the speakership, will continue to serve as chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism.
Babauta said the Covenant Party decided to give such ranking positions to non-party members in an effort to build a “cohesive” leadership.
The other committees will be headed by Covenant Party members:
Francisco Dela Cruz will chair the Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications Committee;
Edwin Aldan, Resources, Economic Development and Programs Committee;
Crispin Ogo, Ways and Means Committee;
Jesus Lizama, Health, Education, Welfare and Programs;
Cinta Kaipat, Judiciary, Government and Law; and
Absalon Waki Jr., Federal Relations and Independent Agencies.
Yesterday, Babauta welcomed Rep. Ray Yumul’s statement that he still considers himself part of the House leadership.
Babauta had told the Saipan Tribune Friday that Yumul had decided “to remain outside of the leadership.” Yumul also failed to show up at the new majority’s luncheon meeting at the Saipan World Resort, Friday.
“I’m still with the Covenant Party. I’m still a member of the leadership,” Yumul said Saturday.
The congressman, who won his reelection bid as an independent candidate in the Nov. 5 elections, said that, while he had wanted to become the vice speaker, he respected his colleagues’ decision to give the post to Quitugua.
“My ambition for vice speaker ended when members supported Rep. Quitugua during a caucus two weeks ago. I have no issues with that now,” Yumul said.
For his part, Babauta said Yumul was welcome to join the majority.
“We sincerely appreciate his decision. That’s a positive gesture. His experience in business will certainly be a great contribution to our efforts to revive the economy,” Babauta said.
