Doing a Pontius Pilate

Sen. Pete Reyes’ opinion on the proposed Second Political Status Commission (HB 18-112) essentially wants to “shortcut” a due diligence process by a body of professionals (Political Status Commission) that will research, evaluate, and report an analysis that will provide education and guidance to the CNMI public. This is badly needed in order to make an intelligent decision when presented in an initiative or referendum.

Sen. Reyes’ concern about cost is immaterial and childish at best. How long have you been a lawmaker Sen. Reyes? Haven’t you learn anything about the cost/benefit principle? The political relationship with the United States is of great importance that any and all deviations from the Covenant Agreement that have adverse impacts on the lives and welfare of the CNMI people must be brought to the negotiating table. Methods of discussion include the 902 talks process and the U.S. delegate. But I doubt the effectiveness of the latter because he works for the federal government and we know where his loyalty lies…not here.

There exists a pattern of unilateral decisions made and implementation of major federal policies in the CNMI without consultation with CNMI leaders and its people, which prompted a proposal to revisit and have a second look at the agreed terms in the Covenant Agreement, particularly the areas on “mutual consent.” The magnitude and seriousness of this issue is such that it warrants a thorough statutory and constitutional review process by an institution such as the Political Status Commission. Cost for such review process as aired as a concern by Sen. Reyes should not be an issue because clearly the senator already lacks the luster and fortitude to do what is right for the CNMI. He wants to wash his hand and give the people a free hand to decide on something that the majority of them do not understand and need guidance on, Pontius Pilate style. The future of the CNMI is at stake here and Sen. Reyes is concerned about a meager $100,000 cost to correct a wrong of this magnitude.

Ninety-nine percent of lawmakers in the House of Representatives have the energy and fortitude to do what is right for the CNMI people because they are alert and aware of a pattern of unilateral decisions being made and implementation of major federal policies without proper consultation with CNMI leaders and its people. I hope that the other senators in the Senate have different views from that of Sen. Pete Reyes and Senate President Ralph Torres on the proposed second Political Status Commission.

Joseph A. Sablan
Kagman III, Saipan