Sen. Reyes is new target of MPLA ire

The beleaguered Marianas Public Lands Agency continues to lash at its critics, this time calling for an investigation on the alleged nepotism of Senate Vice President Pedro P. Reyes.

The MPLA board of directors asked the Office of the Public Auditor to audit and investigate Reyes for allegedly hiring “his lover” to work for him and then using his influence to get her a top job in the Legislative Bureau.

“This is to respectfully request that you audit and investigate Senator Pedro P. Reyes’ hiring practices, including but not limited to hiring his lover as his secretary or office worker and lobbying the Legislature to hire his lover as the deputy director of the Legislative Bureau,” read a portion of a letter signed by all of the four MPLA board members.

The Saipan Tribune tried, but failed to confirm with the MPLA officials whether they were alluding to Glenna Palacios.

She is Reyes’ girlfriend and she was employed as a member of Reyes’ staff in the 14th Legislature. Senate President Joseph M. Mendiola confirmed that Palacios has held the position of LB deputy director effective Feb. 2, 2006.

Reyes could not be reached for his comments at press time. Palacios refused to make any on-the-record statement when contacted on the telephone.

Nepotism within Public Lands is one of the main reasons cited by the administration and the lawmakers for moving to abolish the agency.

MPLA chairwoman Ana Demapan-Castro, for one, has been criticized for having several of her relatives working in the agency.

Her brother David Demapan is MPLA’s chief financial officer. Her daughter Sharee Maratita is the head of the Real Estate and Development Division. Her son-in-law Anthony Benavente works in the Homestead Division, while her stepson Fred Castro works in the Planning Division.

John Hofschneider, the boyfriend of one of Demapan-Castro’s daughters, previously worked in the Real Estate and Development Division.

In related news, press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. defended attorney Howard Willens, whose pro bono legal service for the Fitial administration was being questioned by MPLA.

Willens is not earning a salary for providing legal advice to the administration, but the government is footing the bill for his airfare and accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

“Willens is a very credible figure. They have nothing on him. He is a person of distinguished background. We’re very honored to have him on board. We have nothing but respect for Mr. Willens,” Reyes said.