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Lawmakers, Palacios, Apatang discuss state of NMI economy
Edmund S. Villagomez
House of Representatives Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) confirmed yesterday that some House and Senate members had a meeting with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang Wednesday to discuss the state of the CNMI’s economy.
In response to Saipan Tribune’s inquiry, Villagomez said it was Palacios who called for the meeting, which was held in the Office of the Governor’s conference room on Capital Hill. It lasted about one and a half to two hours.
The speaker said not all House and Senate members were present at the meeting.
When asked what significant information Palacios and Apatang shared during their discussions, Villagomez said he would like to give the governor the courtesy to share that information.
Separately, House floor leader Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) disclosed in his Facebook account that House and Senate members met with Palacios and Apatang to discuss the state of the Commonwealth’s economy.
Propst said he is most grateful to Palacios and Apatang for doing exactly what they promised—opening up the books and showing them where the CNMI is at financially.
“But I am also deeply troubled as to just how bad things are right now. How a former governor could allow this to happen,” said the lawmaker, referring to former governor Ralph DLG Torres.
Propst said that out of courtesy, he will allow Palacios and Apatang to give out the figures in their press conference and that he will later comment on it after it is released.
The Palacios-Apatang issued a press release yesterday late afternoon, but did not indicate figures.
