Palacios-Apatang tandem marks first 100 days

While there is no constitutional significance to the first 100 days of the term of an elected leader, many people tend to use this period to evaluate the top chief executives’ performance or accomplishments.

In the case of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, the new administration reached the first 100 days of their term last Wednesday, April 19. Their first 100 days assumed a certain significance since they were faced with dire economic and financial challenges when they took their oaths of office last Jan. 9, 2023.

At that time, Palacios described the CNMI’s situation as grappling with crises on multiple fronts. Among the challenges that Palacios and Apatang cited were the overcommitment of American Rescue Plan Act funds and overdue audit reports.

When asked by Saipan Tribune about the administration’s performance during the first 100 days, the Office of the Governor yesterday stated that Palacios and Apatang will be discussing their accomplishments next week.

As part of efforts to set the CNMI on a path to recovery, the administration has implemented cost-containment measures and proposed revision to the budget law for the government’s operations for the remaining months of fiscal year 2023.

Last month, Palacios announced that he is cutting the work schedule of some Executive Branch employees to just 72 hours starting this Monday, April 24, 2023, and through the end of fiscal year 2023.

Generally, Executive Branch departments, offices, and activities will shut down every other Monday following this Monday, April 24.

Palacios and Apatang have sought assistance from federal government for additional financial resources and technical help to perform forensic audits of the Commonwealth’s federal and local accounts in order to have reconciliate accounts.

In line with their campaign slogan of “restoring trust” in government, the administration has appointed highly qualified individuals to key positions. As of yesterday, there are still a few appointees who have yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

The administration emphasized the need to ensure a level playing field for all companies, investors, and individuals that want to do business in the CNMI.

Last Feb. 23, citing lack of funding, the administration terminated the $8-million sole-source contract with the startup interisland airline, Marianas Southern Airways.

After hinting that they may sue the CNMI for breaching the contract, SMA eventually ceased operations after April 1, 2023.

To jumpstart the Japan tourism market, Palacios and some Marianas Visitors Authority officials recently went to a four-day trip to Japan.

Aside from trying to strengthen partnerships with federal agencies, Palacios and Apatang have also strengthened their relationship with Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP). They already held a couple of meetings to advocate for the CNMI and its priorities in Washington, D.C.

Palacios and Apatang have also prioritized expediting reimbursements of disaster recovery funds.

They are also expediting some infrastructure projects in order for the infrastructure funds to circulate within the CNMI economy.

Palacios is the 10th governor of the CNMI, while Apatang is the 13th lieutenant governor.