Ada is acting House Speaker

With most of the majority members of the House of Representatives gone for a trip to Washington D.C., Rep. Martin B. Ada has been designated as acting Speaker until the delegation return to the island by April 25.

Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola, who has been the acting House head since Speaker Benigno R. Fitial left the island last Monday, said Mr. Ada will represent the lower chamber to official functions and oversee housekeeping while they are away.

Twelve House members, out of the 18, will be part of the large contingent to the nation’s capital in efforts to block federal takeover legislation pending in the U.S. Congress as well as to inform them of the present conditions in the CNMI.

According to Mr. Mendiola, he has already issued a memorandum informing government offices, departments and agencies on Mr. Ada’s designation.

“I don’t expect any major events while we are in Washington D.C., but the acting Speaker will handle everything here,” he said.