House begins reorganization
Newly elected House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial has delegated his authority to Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola on assigning offices to members of the 18-seat chamber as well as control over its buildings and capital equipment and other administrative matters.
In a memorandum issued the other day, Mr. Fitial said the delegation of the authority is effective immediately and shall continue indefinitely until he revokes the order.
Several House representatives have yet to be assigned their respective offices within the Legislature building, although members of Mr. Fitial’s coalition have occupied some of the rooms left vacant by legislators who lost in the Nov. 6 elections.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has also appointed members of the coalition of Republicans, Democrats and Independents to head each of the seven House committees following a leadership meeting on Tuesday.
The following have been appointed as chair of the respective committee:
Ways and Means: Rep. Antonio M. Camacho
Education: Rep. Brigida DLG. Ichihara
Health and Welfare: Rep. Malua T. Peter
Judicial and Governmental Operations and Natural Resources (two committees): Rep. Dino M. Jones
Commerce and Tourism: Rep. Florencio T. DL. Guerrero
Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications: Rosiky F. Camacho
Federal and Foreign Relations: Norman S. Palacios.