Santos’ reason for refusing committee appointment is rejected

Sen. Teresita A. Santos (Ind-Rota) has cited “immense and extensive knee pain” that she said she has been experiencing as her reason for refusing to be appointed to the Senate Special Committee on the Impeachment Hearing, but Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) finds it not enough justification to be recused from the committee.

Santos wrote Hofshneider last March 16, a day after the president rejected her March 14 letter where she initially declined her appointment to the committee . In that first letter, Santos did not state a reason or justification for refusing the appointment.

In the March 16 letter, Santos said she was not aware that declining the appointment required a justification and that she had been asked in the past to be a member of a committee and she has declined without justification and it was accepted.

Hofschneider

More importantly, Santos said, she has been experiencing knee pain and, in fact, had requested to attend the Senate session that was conducted on Tinian last March 10 via a virtual platform because of this reason.

She added that she has verbally notified Hofschneider that she will be departing the CNMI soon for medical evaluation and treatment, which will hinder and impede her ability to actively participate in this committee that she recognizes as significantly important.

“It is for this particular reason that I respectfully request that I be recused from this Special Committee,” the senator told Hofschneider.

On that same day, March 16, Hofschneider sent an email to Santos acknowledging her letter.

Hofschneider said he empathizes and recognizes the need for Santos to be away for medical reasons. However, the president said, he still does not see the need for the Rota senator to be recused from the committee.

“I wish to put this matter to rest and again ask that you adhere to the appointment as indicated during the Senate session on March 10 on Tinian and memorialized thru a memo dated the same day as the session,” Hofschneider told Santos in the email.

Earlier, Hofschneider reminded Santos that declining to accept her appointment without good reason is tantamount to neglect of duty, which may be sanctioned pursuant to Senate Rule 16. He urged the senator to accept her appointment and duty.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has been impeached by the House of Representative for the alleged commission of felonies, corruption, and neglect of duty. Torres, who is the titular head of the NMI Republican Party, is seeking re-election this Nov. 8.