FLASHBACK – Jun. 4, 2012

Manglona pleads for mercy [/B]

Senators have balked at a proposal to squeeze Sen. Herman M. Manglona to a potential liability of more than $4.5 million to be incurred by the CNMI government under a consent decree forged with the U.S. district court over a land clearing dispute on Tinian. A resolution expressing Senate sentiment that Manglona should be held personally liable for the penalty was ditched at the last minute after the embattled senator pleaded against the move, according to sources. But the Tinian senator was unperturbed, refusing to comment when asked about the Senate action. The resolution was offered by Sen. David M. Cing, from Tinian, who also declined to give statements.

Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry John Tenorio yesterday said he is weighing his option whether to take legal action against 20/20 because of its serious implication on the promotional campaign of the tourism office. Last week the independently-produced “The Shame of Saipan” was carried by the television show in the mainland and was aired on Saipan Monday. In the report, which portrayed the island as a haven for sweatshops and prostitution, Tenorio’s older brother, Michael, was mistakenly identified as the head of MVA. Video footage showed that Michael was inside a night club with his Japanese friends being entertained by bar girls.

DPH asked to clarify medical referral arrangement[/B]

The Department of Public Health refused to pay the medical bills of patient escorts who suffered from health ailments and and subsequently received treatment while in Hawaii. As a result, Queen’s Medical Center has asked DPH who will shoulder the expenses and urged the department to issue a clarification of existing arrangements. In a letter to DPH Secretary Kevin Villagomez, QMC Finance Vice President Rix Maurer III said the department is responsible for the cost of emergency care since it has authorized and provided financial support to patient escorts.

The proposed transfer of Group Health and Life Insurance Trust Fund to the Governor’s Office has gained the support of legislators after deliberations last Friday. The House Committee on Health and Welfare recommended passage of House Bill 12-349, the CNMI Government Health and Life Insurance Improvement Act of 2001, according to legislators. Health and Welfare Chair Malua T. Peter said majority of committee members supported the transfer of the trust fund to the purview of the Governor due to numerous problems including funding deficit. The committee will relay its recommendation on June 12.

Selective Service vows continued innovation[/B]

The Selective Service System released its annual state-by-state registration compliance report card with Delaware becoming the first state to reach nearly 100 percent compliance since the Agency began compiling this data. Nationally, registration compliance held fairly steady at 86 percent, down a percentage point from last year’s high-water mark of 87 percent. Seven states increased registration rates by 3 percent or more, with Delaware leading the way at 9 percent. Louisiana, which historically had low compliance, saw a 2 percent increase, from 79 percent and 75 percent respectively. Localities showing reduced compliance included Vermont (4 percent), Kansas (5 percent), Nebraska (5 percent), Maine (5 percent), Rhode Island (6 percent) and the District of Columbia (8 percent).

Washington-based businessman John S. Pangelinan initiated a pro se civil lawsuit against District Court Judge Alex R. Munson and lawyer Charles R. Rotbart, alleging that both conspired to deprive him of his constitutional rights. The case stems from a 1997 civil suit that ended adversely for Pangelinan, after he was sued by Rotbart for fraud and violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Pangelinan, a resident of Puyallup, Washington, is praying for $1.7 million in damages against the defendants, claiming that both violated his 4th, 5th and 14th amendment rights when judgment was entered against him by Munson, upon Rotbart’s proddings.