Saipan Tribune

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Flashback - January 8, 1999-2002

Jan. 8, 1999

Bonus hinges on funds availability

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday assured retirees that they will receive the 30 percent retirement bonus once funding is available, easing fears of hundreds of government employees that they would lose the benefit. "As soon as we have the money they will receive their bonus," the governor said, adding that his administration is not turning its back on its financial responsibility. "There is no question that the government has an obligation and we should pay our obligation to our employees," he said.

Legislator assures hearing on FAS bill

A member of the House of Representatives yesterday said he would press for a public hearing on a pending legislation that will restrict the migration of citizens from the Freely Associated States into the Northern Marianas because of its "sensitive" nature. Rep. Melvin Faisao, chair of the House Federal and Foreign Relations Committee, said the bill, which he introduced should get input from the local community aside from the position of various government departments and agencies. "This is a very sensitive legislation knowing that many FAS citizens have established deep-rooted relationships with the people and their relatives in the CNMI," he told in an interview.

Jan. 8, 2001

New law cuts red tape in DPL

The politics of public land management in the CNMI has assumed a crucial transformation with the implementation of a new law that makes it an independent body under the Commonwealth executive branch. The Division of Public Lands, formerly an agency under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, has transitioned to the Office of Public Land, placing direct authority on the Board of Public Lands all public land management powers and responsibilities. The landmark transition from DPL to OPL is expected to sweep long, drawn-out processes of red tape within the system and fast-track more public land projects, according to OPL Administrator Bertha C. Deleon Guerrero.

New firm to infuse $1.5M for resto at Saipan airport

A newly-formed company is eyeing the operation of a restaurant at the structure in front of the main terminal building of the Saipan International Airport, which is currently occupied by a car rental facility. Under its proposal submitted to the Commonwealth Ports Authority, Saipan Rainbow, Inc. is planning to construct a three-storey building in front of the main terminal for the operation of both a restaurant and a car rental facility. Saipan Rainbow, whose articles of incorporation was executed only in November, is expected to pour in more than $1.5 million for the design, permit and construction of the building, as well as for the complete operation of the restaurant and car rental facility.

Jan. 8, 2002

’Changes in Senate leadership unlikely’

Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano yesterday branded as “bogus” earlier reports that senator-elect Diego M. Songao and Sen. Ramon Guerrero will be joining the Republican Party to ensure a GOP-controlled Senate in the 13th Legislature. Adriano insisted that the original composition of the 13th Senate leadership is still intact “and that it’s going to remain like that. There are no changes.” This comes even as rumors continue to fly over a possible upset in the Senate leadership in the run-up to the January 14 inauguration. Earlier reports said Songao, a Covenant Party member from Rota, and Guerrero, an Independent from Saipan, are being wooed to join the GOP to give the Republican Party majority control of the upper chamber.

No ’sine die’ for Senate but House to hold one

The 12th House of Representatives will be holding its sine die, or last, session this Friday not at its usual site-the House chamber-but at the Commonwealth Development Authority building in Gualo Rai. This was decided during yesterday’s leadership meeting, after learning that the ongoing renovations being done at the legislative building for the upcoming January 14 inauguration will not be finished by Friday. “Because of some touching up and the ongoing preparation for the inauguration of the chamber, the Speaker [Benigno R. Fitial] wanted to find out if the House chamber will be available for the sine die. Unfortunately, the renovations will not be finished by then, so the sine die will be at the CDA conference room at 10am Friday,” said incoming House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider.