Fitial apologizes to those offended by his remarks

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial apologized yesterday to those who may have been offended by his remarks last week, clarifying that the word “stupid” was directed only at Rota and Tinian senators who rejected again a House bill legalizing casino gambling on Saipan.

“I want to apologize to everyone who misunderstood my remarks. I want everyone to know that I was referring directly to those senators that defeated the casino bill, a measure that would have provided much needed relief to our economy and to our people who are suffering from the poor economy,” Fitial said in a statement to Saipan Tribune.

Senate President Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) separately said it’s time for the governor to “stop talking and start doing something” to address the concerns of the NMI Retirement Fund, the Public School System, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and the food stamp program, among other things.

“The governor should stop playing politics and start doing more to address the Fund and other issues. Judge Ken Govendo’s decision Monday said if there’s no plan or solution by June 15, 2012, he will allow the parties to proceed with receivership petitions,” Manglona said.

Manglona was among the lawmakers who met with Govendo and other parties on March 13 and 14 to discuss the Fund’s financial crisis.

He cited in part Govendo’s decision

“The court believes sound suggestions for the solution of the Fund’s crisis were made on March 13 and 14, 2012. However, the demise of the Fund is imminent and steps to save the Fund must be taken immediately. Therefore, the court is setting a deadline for an agreed upon solution and any legislative initiative that will help the Fund. The deadline is June 15, 2012. If the court believes that the actions of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Branch, and/or the Legislative Branch are unsatisfactory, it will allow petitions for receivership to be filed. The court will hear arguments on this on June 29, 2012.

Manglona reiterated that the governor should be more respectful to other elected officials and the people of the CNMI.

But Fitial said the senators are also being irresponsible for defeating a major revenue-generating bill when people are already suffering.

“Their (senators) irresponsible act was a direct slap on the face to all our people who are yearning for a better economy and better household incomes. Those senators even called in CUC to ask them why they are disconnecting CHC and PSS. And when CUC told them that CHC and PSS don’t have the money to pay their bills, what was the first thing they did? They killed a bill that would have generated new money!” the governor said.

The Saipan casino bill was defeated by a vote of 6-2. Senate floor leader Pete Reyes (R-Saipan) and Sen. Luis Crisostimo (Ind-Saipan) strongly supported the casino bill. Sen. Ralph Torres (R-Saipan) was absent in that session.

Fitial said when the six senators defeated the casino bill, they “basically let the people know that they will not do anything that will benefit their constituents, but they will do everything to receive a severely inflated subsistence allowance.”

“They criticize me about the Retirement Fund, yet they are taking their time confirming two nominations I have made even though they know the board is without a quorum,” the governor added.

Manglona said the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations will hold a public hearing today on the reappointments of two Fund board trustees – Sixto K. Igisomar and Adelina C. Roberto.

“The governor re-nominated the two in late January but as of Monday, March 19, they have yet to submit the requirements including drug test result and financial statements. The committee chairman, Senator (Frank) Cruz was supposed to cancel Tuesday’s public hearing because the administration did not make sure that the nominees submit the documents,” Manglona said.

Press secretary Angel Demapan said the governor is willing to meet with anyone who would like to help the people of the CNMI.

“What the governor is very unhappy about is having meetings such as the leadership summits, then going back to their respective chamber and doing the complete opposite. The governor will continue to work with the lt. governor to bring about the relief our people are looking for. They would definitely welcome any help from lawmakers who want to sincerely help people,” Demapan added.

But the Senate president said “there are 99 other things on the table besides casino.”

“The governor should work with the House to make sure that the revenue-generating bills that the Senate passed will move,” Manglona said.