House holds session despite typhoon

Despite the tropical storm that prompted closure of government offices and schools, the House of Representatives held its regular session yesterday but not without raising concerns from one of the lawmakers.

Rep. Diego T. Benavente urged the House leadership to amend its rules to allow suspension of the session during emergency situations, like typhoons.

The lower house began on Aug. 8 its second regular session which runs for 30 days. So far, representatives have already met for 20 days.

According to Mr. Benavente, there was no pressing need to hold sessions for the last two days when Tropical Storm Saomai lashed across the islands.

“We are putting people’s lives in danger when we call sessions during typhoons,” he told his colleagues. “We should give consideration to the staff, specially during Typhoon Condition I.”

Noting its in-house rules, Mr. Benavente said the leadership should amend them so that members and their staff would not be required to report for work in times such as this.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has suspended work in the executive branch since Wednesday afternoon as reports indicated Saomai’s closest approach to the islands.

“I can understand if there is a pressing need, but I don’t think there was a pressing need for the session [Wednesday and Thursday],” added Mr. Benavente.

Thirteen members of the 18-seat chamber were present at yesterday’s session. Fifteen attended on Wednesday, excluding Mr. Benavente who was absent.

Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said a joint House-Senate session is scheduled to be held today “rain or shine” to vote on a lease extension for LauLau Bay golf resort.

Meanwhile, the House passed legislation providing representation for the youth sector in government boards and commissions.

HB 12-194 will allow representatives of Youth Congress to serve as non-voting honorary members of these boards and commissions, subject to the governor’s appointment.

Their participation will be limited to meetings in which the public has access and are conducted on the island where the young representative resides.

The legislation is intended to provide training ground for the CNMI’s future leaders who are elected members of the Youth Congress.

The various boards and commissions of the Commonwealth provide an invaluable insight into the many activities that affect the lives of every person on the islands, according to the bill authored by Rep. Jesus T. Attao.

Young people in the CNMI would benefit greatly from exposure and participation in government activities, it added. HB 12-194 now heads to the Senate for action.

During the brief session, the lower house also adopted a resolution recognizing the celebration of Cultural Heritage Month in the CNMI.

The governor has proclaimed September as the month to observe unique culture and traditions of Chamorro and Carolinian people, with several activities lined up to promote awareness among island residents.