Chief Judge Manglona recuses self from IPI bankruptcy case

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has recused herself from presiding over Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC’s bankruptcy proceedings due to a conflict of interest.

Last week, Manglona issued an order of recusal recusing herself from presiding over IPI’s bankruptcy proceedings citing a conflict of interest due to familial ties within the Commonwealth Casino Commission.

“Because one of the undersigned’s relatives within the third degree of relationship was recently confirmed to be a board member for the Commonwealth Casino Commission, a major creditor in this bankruptcy action, the undersigned disqualifies herself pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §455(b)(5)(i),” she said.

Meanwhile, District by Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Murguia has designated Chief Bankruptcy Judge Robert J. Faris from the District of Hawaii to preside over the matter in Manglona’s stead.

Last Oct. 16, the Senate held a regular session where they officially confirmed Thomas A. Manglona, the relative the chief judge alluded to, to the CCC board.

In an interview with Manglona, he shared that he appreciates all the senators for fulfilling their role in his confirmation as well as the CNMI administration for their trust in him.

“I’m very appreciative of the appointment of Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and our Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang. I’m also very appreciative of the confirmation process and the Senators for confirming me this afternoon,” he said.

When asked what his first course of action would be as a newly confirmed and sworn-in CCC commissioner, he said he intends to collaborate and communicate with sitting commissioners to move forward with current issues plagues the commission.

“I look forward to working with the other commissioners to move forward through the many issues we are currently facing. With a lot of collaboration and communication with stakeholders, I think we can move forward. First, I have to sit down with all of the members to discuss what issues we have to tackle first,” he said.

As for the ongoing revocation proceedings in regards to Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC’s exclusive casino license, he said he reserves his comments for a later time.

“As you know, the case remains active in court so I’d prefer not to comment at this moment. Maybe at a later time,” he said.

CCC chair Edward Deleon Guerrero, in is public comments, stated that he looks forward to having another commissioner on the CCC board as it would finally establish quorum allowing the CCC to push forward with important matter such as revocation proceedings, as well as finding ways to acquire more funding for the CCC.

Up until Manglona’s confirmation yesterday, the CCC had two commissioners and one chair while it needed three commissioners to establish quorum.

While he is happy that CCC now has a Rota representative, Deleon Guerrero also urges the governor to fill the commission’s Tinian position.