Teno, legislators forge new partnership

In efforts to enhance working relationship between the two branches of the government, lawmakers met with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday to tackle an array of issues that the Legislature hopes to enact when sessions begin in the next few weeks.

Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives also commenced what they said is a regular weekly meeting aimed at facilitating passage of legislation in each of the two chambers.

Among the issues discussed were the forthcoming measures amending local labor laws and investment requirements as well as proposals on 2000 fiscal budget telecommunications regulatory body, election reforms and other legislative concerns.

Mr. Tenorio described the meeting as a “get together” in order to foster close cooperation between the two branches of government to address critical issues confronting the island.

“It’s very brief meeting, just to try to work closely… so that some of these issues that would benefit the community [will be solved],” he told reporters after emerging from the two-hour dialogue held at Hafa Adai Hotel, without elaborating.

First joint meeting

It came just hours after both houses held talks — their first joint leadership meeting that lawmakers hope will set off weekly regular discussion on various issues affecting the CNMI, such as upcoming legislation.

House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said this is part of a “new leadership philosophy of working very closely together” where the “name of the game is communications and coordination” between the two chambers.

“[We are] working closely together to facilitate needed legislation that will help revitalize the economy of the Commonwealth,” he said in an interview with reporters.

Senate President Paul A. Manglona, on the other hand, stressed the meeting will enable lawmakers to respond immediately to the needs of the community.

“The only way we can go about [doing] our business in the Legislature is by working together, establishing better communications,” he explained during the same interview. “Meetings like these, all the Senate and House leadership agree, will be very productive and will move legislation quickly.”

While there was no specific agreement on any of the proposed legislation, both houses hope to hold this dialogue every week to map out detailed actions on forthcoming bills and other legislative issues.

“I believe this will be good as [the people] will gain the most out of these meetings… and other concerns from the general public will be addressed. We will be responsive,” said Mr. Manglona.

Four E’s

Mr. Fitial, who laid out the plan for his two-year term at the House during its inaugural session last week which focused on the economy, education, environment and essentials, reiterated his efforts to spur the island’s sluggish economy.

One of those underway will be to reform the local labor laws to make them similar to the Federal Labor Standards Act, except for the minimum wage provision which is entirely a local function.

He also maintained that he will push for the repeal of the $100,000 security deposit imposed on each foreign investment which has dulled the island’s investment climate amid the worsening global economic conditions.

“We have a mission in the House, that mission is the leadership mission,” said Mr. Fitial, responding to questions on how the coalition he formed with Republicans, Democrats and Independents will be able to push its agenda.

“Any member of the House is welcome to participate in accomplishing that mission. My leadership as Speaker is only to provide firm leadership and we are not going to divert from that mission which is the revitalization of the economy,” he added.

On criticisms that the Legislature had been too slow in dealing with burning issues in the past, Mr. Manglona said the regular meeting will help lawmakers respond quickly to the needs of the community.

“With this, we are going to take away a lot of these bureaucratic red tape, and I guess facilitate in moving forward these legislation,” he said.

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes also hailed the working relationship, saying it is very positive and that “it looks like to me it is going to work.”