No public hearing in sight on Saipan casino bill

Sen. Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) asked Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee chair Jovita Taimanao (Ind-Rota) yesterday to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the controversial Saipan casino bill, now that the 40-day period for Gov. Eloy S. Inos to act on the legislation is still weeks away. Another option, which is to introduce a new bill that includes the proposed amendments, was brought up during a joint leadership meeting but not considered.
As of yesterday, there is no telling whether any public hearing on the proposed amendments—or any new bill—will be held.

Manglona’s request comes days after Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz also asked the Senate to hold a public hearing on the casino bill on Tinian, where the only operating casino, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, is located.

“Since we still have a few weeks left before the 40-day time period for the governor to act on the measure, I am kindly requesting if you, as chair of the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee, can schedule a public hearing on the proposed amendments of HB 18-179 as agreed upon by the leadership of both houses,” Manglona told Taimanao.

A copy of the letter was also sent to Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan).

At the proposed public hearing, Manglona said that officials should try to get individuals who are knowledgeable in the casino industry and can assist with some of the language and tax provisions in the bill.

“Hopefully, there are gaming industry experts on island that can testify at the public hearing on issues involving gaming, gambling, slot machines, the gaming entertainment industry, casino operators, and casino resort hotels,” he said.

He said the public hearing will also allow lawmakers the opportunity to hear directly from the people on how they feel about the industry.

“The public can also participate in the final formulation of the proposed amendments. I know you agree with me that this is a long term commitment that we will all be making, and so let’s use this opportunity to do it right. This is the time and opportunity to make sure that we will reap what we sow,” Manglona added.

The House passed the Saipan casino bill on March 3, about a month after it was prefiled without public hearing or without referral to a committee. A day later, the Senate passed it.

Members of the public and lawmakers who voted against the bill described the passage as “rushed,” and questioned the motive behind the manner in which the legislation was handled at the Legislature. The governor later called for a joint meeting with House and Senate members to work on proposed amendments should he decide to sign the bill.

As of yesterday, the Inos administration and lawmakers are still reviewing the proposed amendments to the casino bill.

“The administration continues to work closely with members of the Legislature to address technical errors and to formulate the necessary amendments. Once this joint effort is completed, the governor and the members will determine the following course of action,” press secretary Angel Demapan said.

The Tinian mayor separately reiterated yesterday that the bill now before the governor should be “recalled” by the Legislature.

“They should at least start with a clean bill, with the proposed amendments they have been working on and hold public hearings. If Tinian and Rota can do it, I’m sure Saipan can do it, too. Why are they taking a short cut? It’s the manner by which they are handling the bill that’s raising a lot of questions,” Dela Cruz said.