Fitial says he will be vindicated for vetoing casino bill

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is just fine with the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation taking him to court for his veto of the local Saipan casino bill, House Local Bill 17-44.

“That’s up to them and I think what they’re trying to obtain from the courts is a declaratory relief to let the courts make a determination if they are willing to make one,” said Fitial.

In the end, Fitial said he believes he will be vindicated because he was only following what it written in the CNMI Constitution.

“I’m OK with that [lawsuit] because I think what I did was the right thing because any local law that is enacted by, for example by the Third Senatorial Delegation, that law cannot be applicable to Tinian or Rota. The Constitution is very clear: Gambling is prohibited in the CNMI unless it’s provided for by CNMI law. That lawsuit is good because that would only reconfirm my position,” he said.

Rep. Joseph M. Palacios (R-Saipan) filed the lawsuit in Superior Court.

As for the Northern Marianas College survey that asked people on Saipan if they want casino gambling legalized or not, Fitial feels the whole exercise would’ve worked better if it was sanctioned by the Senate.

“I don’t want to speak on the merit of the survey because I don’t have sufficient information. That survey could mean a lot things but the bottom line is that it should’ve been sanctioned by the Senate as a whole,” he said.

Fitial said the more proper avenue for the Saipan casino question is through either a legislative initiative or popular initiative.

“That’s only a class assignment. It doesn’t have the force and effect of law but it can be an indicator. .The more important thing is for people to make that determination through a legislative initiative or a popular initiative,” he said.

Senate President Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota), meanwhile, thanked the NMC students and their teacher, Sam McPheters, for conducting the Saipan casino poll yesterday. “While this it is not binding on the Legislature, I think.we need to hear from our people, especially since people twice already voted against casino so we want to gauge the sentiment,” he said.

Manglona also reiterated his promise that the Senate “will seriously take into consideration the result of this election” in their decision whether to approve or not a Saipan casino bill that would be introduced by the House.

“I know our economy is in bad shape and I know this is an option that’s being put on the table. We need to look at everything on the table and look at it. But the sentiment of the people is still paramount in our consideration,” he said.

The author of yet another Saipan casino bill being crafted at the lower chamber, Rep. Ralph S. Demapan (Cov-Saipan), said he’s about ready to introduce the measure.

“Again the bill has been finalized and drafted. I’m just making sure that all Commonwealth codes are in place and the right language for each provision. As soon as these are in place, I will seriously consider introducing it because we need to spark economic recovery. .As soon as it is in place, I will present it to our members for action,” he said.

Rep. Ramon Basa (Cov-Saipan) said he hopes that when Demapan’s bill is introduced and passes the House, the Senate will have a change of heart and approve the revenue-generating measure.

“The reality is those supporting casinos are doing it because our economy is really hurting. If we don’t find a new industry to come in and infuse the needed capital we will be facing an even worse time this coming year. If that happens we may end up laying off people. Some government employees will have to pay for it. The point is, those who are opposed to casino, what’s their alternative? If they think that’s not going to work here, what are they offering?” he asked.