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Fitial says government will not tolerate abuses
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Posted on Apr 29 2009
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday said his administration does not tolerate abuse of authority and that officials who did something wrong have to pay for their mistake.
He, however, said he does not regret choosing former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez as his running mate.
“I would not tolerate abuses. I’m allergic to abuses but that doesn’t mean I have to kick somebody who is down. You have to express sorry not only for the person…but also for his family,” Fitial told reporters on Capital Hill yesterday afternoon.
The governor said some members of Villagomez’s family told him that they are considering filing an appeal, which is one of his options.
Villagomez resigned from his post over the weekend after being found guilty of federal criminal charges on Friday.
A federal jury found Villagomez, former Commerce Secretary James A. Santos, and Joaquina V. Santos guilty of all charges relating to a scheme to defraud the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.
Fitial, over the weekend, said Villagomez’s decision is one he made for his family.
Villagomez is the highest ever CNMI official to be convicted in a criminal case. He is the brother of Joaquina Santos, who is married to James Santos.
Fitial appointed Finance Secretary Eloy Inos as lieutenant governor. The Senate will hold a public hearing on the appointment tomorrow.
“I think the Senate did the right thing that people should be given an opportunity to express their decision on the appointment,” he said.
