Former judge Manibusan wins over Evangelista in AG race

Former Superior Court presiding judge Edward Manibusan defeated attorney Michael N. Evangelista with a large margin to become the first elected attorney general of the CNMI, based on the unofficial tally of the Commonwealth Election Commission.

Manibusan garnered a total 8,559 votes, while Evangelista got 4,672 votes.

Manibusan won in all election districts except three. The former judge received big votes from almost all election districts.

Evangelista, however, got big votes in Tanapag, his bailiwick. He also prevailed on Rota and early votes from Rota.

Manibusan said it’s a great feeling and that he extends his thanks to the people who voted for him, have faith in him, and trusted him.

He also thanked members of the committee to elect him who worked hard to make it a very successful campaign.

“It was great that Mike [Evangelista] and I had a very cordial relationship throughout the campaign. And I admire that,” Manibusan said.

He said having an elected AG is a new beginning, a new chapter in the CNMI history.

“We gonna start new, start fresh and we have to do the right thing,” the former presiding judge said.