Tearful Reyes bids adieu to politics

The 19th Senate’s sine die yesterday turned into a full-blown retirement ceremony for one of the Legislature’s graybeards—Senate floor leader Pete Pangelinan Reyes.

Senate floor leader Pete Pangelinan Reyes bids his colleagues farewell during the 19th Senate’s sine die yesterday. At Reyes’ left is Sen. Jovita Taimanao. (Mark Rabago)

“Today would be my final official participation as a member of this august body. I am retiring from the Legislature. A big part of my life was spent here in the Legislature and I would be remiss if I do not take this opportunity to thank all of you, most especially for some of you, who think that I am a pain in the barrel but have tolerated me,” he said while cracking a smile.

Reyes, who sported a new haircut, a crimson shirt, and classic tie, offered no apologies for the 23 years he has spent both as a representative in the House and a senator in the Senate.

“I have been known to be stubborn and firm in what I believe is right for the people that I represent. We all have our hearts on doing what is right. Where we differ is on how we get there. But what I value the most is the respect that we extend to each other, regardless of our differences.”

Reyes said if there’s something he wants people to remember him by during his tenure in the Legislature, it would be his work for advancing education in the Commonwealth.

“If I were to leave a legacy of my accomplishments during my terms in office, I can say with pride that my support for the education of our children will top the list. My tireless commitment to the Scholarship Office and my desire to see our people return to our islands armed with degrees and ready to pitch in the economic development of our great Commonwealth is my greatest pride. What can make our Commonwealth prosper and become the envy of our region depends greatly on how much we support our children’s education. Only then can we realize their contributions in making the CNMI a great Commonwealth. I read once that the only way to bring ourselves out of poverty is to educate our children. I ask every single one of you to never forget the need to support the teachers and schools and the need to continue supporting the scholarship program,” he said.

Reyes also reminisced about the first time he was elected into office in November 1991.

“How I was immediately educated on how not to allow my head to grow big and act like I know everything. We all have the tendency to feel that being elected into office transforms us into someone who doesn’t need anyone to tell us or advise us because we know everything. Remember that, colleagues? Many, not all of us did, but I was one who felt the painful experience in finding out how the Legislature works and the different dynamics it takes to push your bill into law. Because I sincerely believe that if you did not have any of your bills become law, then your time in the Legislature is wasted and you have not done anything to advance the life of our people.”

Reyes said his decision to not seek reelection after six terms in the House and four terms in the Senate wasn’t easy.

“It took a great deal of soul searching and the understanding support of my family that moved me to make that hard decision. A good friend and a firm supporter told me that I have no right to just decide to leave office and not go around the island informing each and everyone that have supported me throughout the years. He says that when I need their support and vote of confidence, I walk the street of Saipan asking individually to help vote for me. Of course he’s right. But after 21 years of government service and another 23 years in public office, I think it is time for me to start getting to know my grandchildren a little better.”

His parting advice to those who will be carrying on at the Legislature and other leaders of the island is to think of themselves first as public servants.

“To all of you who remain to do the work of rebuilding our Commonwealth, I urge you to look beyond the status of your title and even beyond the challenges you will no doubt encounter, but to set your sights on a vision of a prosperous Commonwealth, one with an educated and productive workforce, a safe and secure society where children, mothers, fathers and extended family live in peace and no one fears for their lives, an island home where diversity is celebrated and where there is tranquility of spirit that reflects our beautiful culture, from the environment to our hearts.”

Prior to his sine die message, family, friends, and his colleagues took turns honoring Reyes for his 23 years of service in the Legislature and 21 years of work in the government.

A graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Guam, Reyes enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He worked for the Trust Territory government as well as the Commonwealth government before entering politics in 1991.

Reyes is married to Glenna Sakisat-Palacios Reyes and is blessed with seven children (Yvonne and Wayne, Dwaine, Yvette and Jose, Peter, Jake, Kiana and Isa) and 15 grandchildren.