Fitial, colleagues saddened by Palacios’ arrest

Rep. Raymond D. Palacios’ (Cov-Saipan) arrest on drug trafficking charges on Friday has left his colleagues at the House of Representatives in shock.

House Speaker Eli D. Cabrera (R-Saipan) said while he remains shocked, he still hopes that things will turn out well for the congressman from District 5.

“I just hope his name would be cleared. He’s still innocent until proven guilty. Right now I share the family’s ordeal, their pain. I hope he’s out and put things together. I asked his secretary to see me as soon as possible,” he said in an interview with reporters yesterday at his office.

The Office of the Governor shared the same sentiments. In a statement from press secretary Angel Demapan, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial reminded the public that an accused is innocent until proven guilty.

“We have faith in the justice system, and therefore, believe that no one should be tried through the media. The courts are the appropriate forum for this,” said Demapan.

He said that while the government should always uphold the principles of a drug-free workplace, the governor remains “saddened to learn of Rep. Palacios’ arrest and allegations. He is a good friend and avid supporter of the administration.”

For his part, House floor leader George N. Camacho (Ind-Saipan) said he hopes Palacios is doing okay and would like to visit him at the Department of Corrections.

“It’s very sad…he’s a good friend and he’s always happy around here. He’s always with the leadership in whatever their decision is. …It’s hard for us to lose him and for something like this to happen to our colleague,” he said.

When asked if Palacios’ arrest will change the direction of the Special Committee on Official Conduct and Ethics that Cabrera appointed him to head following Palacios’ own admission of drug use, Camacho said the panel’s mission hasn’t changed.

“The situation has changed but the committee is still there. For the most part, we will let the justice system take its course. We will not be the prosecutor because that’s not our job. Our job is just to look the issue at hand and from there come out with a recommendation,” he said.

Camacho said the bigger question is whether Palacios would be allowed to continue with his duties as an elected official after he makes bail.

“We will come up with recommendation on his future with the 17th Legislature, whether he would be suspended or he continuous to serve pending his trial [and determination of his case]. What direction are we going to take? I cannot make a decision by myself but the committee will meet again on Nov. 7 and we will go from there. As a committee, we will come out with a final report,” said Camacho.

Cabrera agreed with Camacho and said the committee will have the final say on the fate of Palacios.

“That’s the reason why I created this special committee…to look into the matter and present their findings to the full body and myself. …It would be up to them to make the recommendation. …They can sanction him…whatever they decide. I’ve also advised the chair to consult with our legal counsel,” he said.

Cabrera said that Palacios’ secretary had mentioned to him that the lawmaker is about ready to resign his chairmanship of the House Committee on Education.

“His secretary is preparing a letter awaiting his signature that he will step down as Education Committee chair—whether it’s permanent or temporary, I don’t know,” he said.

Cabrera early last week formed the special committee to look into reports of drug-related issues involving Palacios. Along with Camacho, also appointed to the seven-member committee are Reps. Edmund S. Villagomez (Cov-Saipan), Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan), Teresita A. Santos (Ind-Rota), Trenton B. Conner (R-Tinian), Joseph Guerrero (R-Saipan), and Ray Yumul (R-Saipan).