Former DPS exec Babauta likely to replace Propst

With the resignation of Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) as a member of the House of Representatives, Franklin Reyes Babauta, a retired official of the Department of Public Safety, will likely be given the chance to serve Precinct 1 and the Commonwealth for over three months as a lawmaker.

House Speaker Blas Jonathan T. Attao (R-Saipan) said in an interview Tuesday that, under the CNMI Constitution, vacancies in the Legislature have to be filled by the appointment of the unsuccessful candidate in a previous election.

Attao said that, if he is not mistaken, it’s Babauta. That is, if he chooses to accept it.

Babauta, who ran as an independent candidate, landed seventh place in the 2018 election for Precinct 1, where there were six House positions for grabs.

Babauta’s wife, Celina, is a known critic of the administration and is running for House Precinct 1 this coming Nov. 3 elections.

The speaker said if Babauta does not accept, the next highest voter will be appointed to serve the remaining term.

Propst’s resignation will take effect today, Thursday. His term was supposed to end on Jan. 11, 2021.

Attao said a lawmaker’s resignation is unprecedented and that it happened only once in the CNMI’s history back in the 17th Legislature when then-representative Diego Benavente resigned.

“So that’s the most recent history. I don’t remember or I cannot find another case of a member from this body that had resigned during their term,” he said.

Attao said Benavente turned in his resignation to then House speaker Eli Cabrera.

By virtue of the constitution, more than half of the term was left and the unsuccessful candidate of the sixth seat in Precinct 1 at the time was the person who was appointed, Attao said.

Franklin Reyes Babauta

“And that’s the constitutional language. That’s how the Constitution is written,” the speaker said.

Then-governor Eloy Inos appointed Rep. Janet U. Maratita (R-Saipan) to the 17th Legislature in 2011, replacing Benavente who resigned on June 30, 2011, after serving the Legislature for more than 15 years. Benavente served as lieutenant governor from 2002 to 2006 to then-governor Juan N. Babauta.

Attao said that, as in every other job, the boss would either accept the resignation or reject it.

“The position of elected officials is very unique because your application is to the people, your constituents, they placed you into office,” he said.

Regarding Propst’s resignation Monday, Attao said he was saddened, but not disappointed when he received the resignation letter Monday afternoon.

Attao said that, just like to any member in the Legislature, he respects Propst and that he cannot tell him what to do or what not to do.

The speaker said if that’s their choice, he is not going to try to influence them one way or the other.

Attao said it’s clear in Propst’s message that he took the time to talk to his family and friends to come to this conclusion.

“I always respect anybody’s decision. It’s sad. It’s hard but only he knows why he is resigning,” he said.

Propst stepped down from his job Monday, saying that he has reached his limits due to an extremely stressful job, the attacks on his name, and cyber bullying.