EAGI to tackle nomination of Manglona, Soll
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Operations is set to hold a public hearing next week on the appointment of Judge John A. Manglona to the Supreme Court.
The town meeting will coincide with the hearing on the nomination of Herb D. Soll to the Attorney General’s Office that is scheduled for May 5 on Tinian, according to Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez.
But he said the committee has yet to decide whether the EAGI will endorse Judge Manglona’s nomination to the Senate immediately after the hearing.
EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano last week said he would recommend the confirmation of Mr. Soll during a session to be held on Tinian on the same day as he noted that he doesn’t see any problem for the Senate to give its advice and consent to the AGO chief.
“We’re not yet sure whether we will have Judge Manglona confirmed on the same day, but I’m hoping that we will go ahead and confirm him,” Mr. Villagomez told in an interview.
Mr. Soll was named by the governor last February to replace acting Attorney General Maya B. Kara who was forced out of office after the Superior Court ruled that her term had expired after senators rejected her appointment in September 1998. .
Since the Senate has expressed its support for Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s latest chief government lawyer, he is expected to get its consent and advice on May 5, less than five days before his appointment ends as provided under the Constitution.
Mr. Tenorio, on the other hand, nominated Judge Manglona as Supreme Court justice last April 13 to replace former Chief Justice Marty W.K. Taylor who retired from the government in December 1998.
If he is confirmed, lawyer Eric S. Smith will be appointed as his replacement in the Superior Court, the governor said in his letter to the Senate.
While Judge Manglona has already received the confidence votes of the nine-member chamber, it is not certain whether Mr. Smith has the same support. Mr. Tenorio has promised to help his nominees get the Senate’s advice and consent. (BS)
