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Fitial to recall Guerrero’s appointment to MPLT board
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Posted on Jun 07 2012
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
Reporter
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial will recall his appointment of Francisco Q. Guerrero to the Marianas Public Land Trust board, press secretary Angel Demapan said yesterday.
Guerrero, also a former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board chair, is facing charges of allegedly molesting a 16-year-old girl. He was allowed to post a property bond on Tuesday, a day after his arrest.
“While the governor is cognizant that a person is innocent until proven guilty, the governor has decided that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth that this particular nomination be recalled at this time,” Demapan told Saipan Tribune.
Demapan said once the governor signs off on the recall letter, this communication will be transmitted to the Senate.
Fitial nominated Guerrero on May 14 to serve on the MPLT board representing Saipan. Guerrero is awaiting Senate confirmation. However, Guerrero has yet to submit required documents such as police clearance, drug test receipt/result, and statement of financial interest, to the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations.
Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian), chair of the EAGI Committee, said yesterday that while Guerrero has not been proven guilty, it would be best if he could devote more time to the case filed against him.
“And I look forward to the governor’s submission of another name not only for the MPLT board but also for other boards and commissions,” Cruz said.
Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo allowed a property bond for Guerrero in lieu of the $25,750 cash bail the court earlier imposed.
Govendo also prohibited the 62-year-old suspect from leaving the CNMI without court permission.
The MPLT board has quorum, even without the appointment of Guerrero. However, Cruz said it will be best if boards and commissions such as that of MPLT will have enough members to avoid lacking quorums.
