Judiciary, govt officials honor justice Atalig

Government officials, lawmakers, and lawyers joined the magistrates and staff of the CNMI Judiciary in paying tribute to the late Pedro M. Atalig, a former associate justice of the Supreme Court.

Government institutions gave the family of Atalig, led by his wife Nelida, resolutions acknowledging the former justice’s contributions to public service.

A judicial robe draped Atalig’s coffin at the Supreme Court’s courtroom, as the joint session by the High Court and the Superior Court proceeded yesterday morning until noon. The tribute suspended all functions of the judiciary.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, Senate President Joaquin A. Adriano joined government officials and lawyers that packed the Supreme Court’s courtroom and the Guma Hustisia’s lobby. Attorney general Pamela Brown and government attorneys also attended the memorial service.

Chief Justice Miguel Demapan said that Atalig was a great administrator who understood the circumstances and capabilities of his staff. “He focused on the less fortunate to encourage them that if they try hard and commit themselves to their work, they will succeed.”

“Maybe an old adage that applies to generals also applies to Pete: ‘Once a justice, always a justice. They don’t retire, they just remain on standby’,” Demapan said.

He said that Atalig had participated in 228 cases—both in writing or joining decisions or orders as a settlement judge. He said Atalig’s death is a great loss for the judiciary, with Atalig leaving behind four pending cases as justice pro tempore for the Supreme Court.

Superior Court presiding judge Robert Naraja recalled that he was the person who broke the news to Atalig in 1991 that then Gov. Lorenzo I. DeLeon Guerrero wanted him to become the Superior Court’s presiding judge. Naraja was then attorney general.

“Pete looked at me with a serious demeanor, I can easily tell that he was excited, and he responded with a calm and cool collected voice. With pride, he said, ‘Bob! Please convey to the governor that I am extremely honored.’ And as the saying goes, the rest is history,” Naraja said.

The 55-year-old Atalig is survived by Nelida, his wife of 18 years, and children Amelia, Andy, Anthony, Christian, Adeloisa, and Kahra. The first three are from his previous marriage with Norma Quiel.