Mafnas appointed as Commerce secretary

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has appointed Registrar of Corporations’ Remedio C. Mafnas as the secretary for the Department of Commerce.

Palacios informed Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) last Friday of Mafnas’ nomination, which requires the advice and consent of the Senate.

The governor said he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang are confident that Mafnas is qualified to fulfill the vital responsibilities of this department.

Palacios also told Mafnas in a letter on Friday that he and Apatang are confident that she is qualified and will be an asset to the CNMI.

“Your willingness to serve our people is most appreciated,” the governor said.

On April 25, 2023, Palacios withdrew the appointment of Joseph S. Rios Jr. as secretary of the Department of Commerce and designated Workers’ Compensation Commission director Francisco D. Cabrera as acting Commerce secretary. Mafnas was later designated as acting Commerce secretary.

Arnold I. Palacios