Legislature hands-off on Hofschneider’s suspension

The leadership of both chambers of the Legislature has taken a hands-off stance on the controversy arising from the suspension of Marianas Public Lands Authority commissioner Henry Hofschneider by the agency’s chair, Ana Demapan-Castro.

Senate President Joaquin G. Adriano said the controversy is better left for the MPLA to resolve.

“We have all the confidence that they can resolve the matter by themselves,” Adriano said.

The House leadership disclosed it has a similar stance on the suspension issue. “We would rather not get involved,” said Charles Reyes, the leadership’s spokesman.

Adriano, who is also the acting governor, said he was briefed about the circumstances that led to the suspension of Hofschneider, brother of House minority leader Heinz Hofschneider.

Adriano clarified that he is not urging Castro to rescind her unilateral suspension order, the validity of which is being questioned by some MPLA board members. He said such a decision rests on the authority of the board of MPLA, an autonomous agency.

What the MPLA officials should focus on, he said, is to implement the land compensation program.

The suspension earlier sparked interest among some lawmakers to look into the circumstances behind the disciplinary action. Senate minority leader Pete Reyes said yesterday he would discuss the matter with MPLA’s Hofschneider. He had also attempted to reach the MPLA’s board members.

Reyes earlier said that he would support a joint oversight hearing on MPLA’s handling of delinquent leases, explaining that he wanted to determine whether or not delinquent lessees continue to use government land without settling first their arrears.

The MPLA is also the subject of an investigation by a special investigative committee chaired by House Rep. Claudio Norita, who said Tuesday that the inquiry has nothing to do with the suspension issue.

The MPLA commissioner’s 15-day suspension began on July 9. MPLA’s Demapan-Castro issued the suspension, placing the agency’s executive on administrative leave with pay, allegedly for insubordination.

Hofschneider’s alleged insubordination arose when he allowed the Commonwealth Development Authority to alter a requisition document without the board’s approval and written consent. The document is related to the transfer of MPLA funds to pay for land compensation claims. Hofschneider allegedly allowed the Commonwealth Development Authority to alter the amount of funds being transferred from $216,322 to $134, 695.91 without specific information as to whom the revised drawdown amount is intended to compensate.

MPLA vice chair Manuel P. Villagomez and board member Nicolas Nekai had questioned Castro’s authority to unilaterally issue the suspension order, and whether the order was necessary.

The MPLA board has scheduled a meeting today to discuss the issue, among others.