Santos seeks Senate support to enable DPL to tap $1M settlement
Public Lands Secretary Teresita A. Santos is seeking Senate support in amending the budget law so the department can tap the $1 million that DPL got as settlement payment in a civil case involving Kan Pacific and Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC.
Santos disclosed that the Department of Public Lands intends to use that money for “strategic and essential purposes,” hence the need to amend the Appropriation and Budget Authority Act of 2024.
Santos said DPL is proposing to use $365,000 buy a vessel for the Managaha Island rangers; $35,000 to purchase a new vehicle for field operations; $200,000 for land use plan development; and $100,000 for surveying work on Rota and Tinian. That’s for a total of $700,000. As for the remaining $300,000, Santos said it will be remitted to MPLT.
Santos’ request letter was dated last Friday. She submitted it to Senate Vice President Donald M. Manglona (Ind-Rota), who also chairs the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee. The Senate received the request on Monday.
She said in the letter that the request represents a “judicious and necessary” investment in the stewardship of the CNMI’s public lands.
“It reflects our commitment to sustainable development, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence,” Santos said.
The secretary said the $365,000 is immediately needed in order for their Compliance Division to buy a vessel for their Managaha rangers. She said the vessel is a critical asset due to the rapid deterioration of their current fleet.
Santos added that this allocation will support vital operational needs on Managaha and at the former Kan Pacific property in Marpi.
As for the $35,000 needed to buy a new vehicle, she said this investment for the Secretary’s Office will substantially enhance their field operations and executive mobility, ensuring efficient and timely execution of duties. The secretary said their operation efficacy is currently hindered by a limited fleet.
Regarding the $200,000 for land use plan development, Santos said a pivotal allocation of such amount is required for the review of their land use plan. She said this foundational document will guide the equitable and sustainable use of the CNMI’s public lands, forming the basis of future land management strategies.
On the $100,000 for surveying work on Rota and Tinian, Santos said it is critical to the planning and development of their homestead subdivisions. She said this endeavor is central to DPL’s mission to promote sustainable development.
“This investment covers all associated expenses, ensuring comprehensive and effective surveying activities,” the secretary said.
In compliance with the Commonwealth Code and considering the provisions of Article 11 of the CNMI Constitution, Santos said they anticipate transferring a portion of the settlement to MPLT by the end of the fiscal year.
She pointed out that this transfer is not only a statutory obligation but also a reflection of their commitment to responsible stewardship and the enhancement of CNMI’s public and resources.
DPL got the $1 million as a settlement payment in the Commonwealth’s claims and cross-claims against Kan Pacific and Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC based on U.S. antitrust laws and the Commonwealth’s unfair business laws, raised in a 2015 case in which DPL was a defendant.
Last Dec. 27, MPLT, through counsel Robert T. Torres, asked the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Public Auditor to investigate DPL for its alleged continuing withholding of net land lease funds and failure to remit the funds to MPLT. The failure to remit the $1 million settlement money was among those cited in the MPLT complaint.
Last Jan. 9, Santos provided the OPA with information that, according to her, will assist OPA and the OAG in their investigation on each of the six issues the MPLT board had complained against DPL. Santos said such information renders moot the MPLT trustees’ complaint against DPL.
Teresita A. Santos
