Objection mars passage of ‘thank you’ resolutions

A resolution thanking the governor for his contribution in sealing the Verizon purchase deal became the subject of a hot political debate in Senate yesterday.

Sen. Diego M. Songao, chair of the Senate committee on public utilities, transportation, and communications, introduced three resolutions commending Gov. Juan N. Babauta, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Commission, and Pacific Telecom Inc. for their efforts in eliminating inter-island phone call charges.

But Sen. Pete Reyes questioned the language of S.R. 14-58, which commended Babauta “for his tireless efforts” toward getting Verizon to scrap the inter-island toll.

Credit should only be given to those who deserve it, Reyes said.

Floor leader Sen. Paul Manglona defended his fellow Republican, saying that the governor was instrumental in the elimination of the inter-island toll.

“Let’s set aside politics. Past governors listened to us, but they did not take to the next level [like Babauta did]. This is the first time we’re having a debate over a resolution that’s simply saying si Yu’us maase,” Manglona said.

Reyes replied, “I have no objection to thanking the governor when he deserves it.”

He then cited names of government officials whom he thought were more deserving of the resolution, including current and former lawmakers from Rota and Tinian. He also moved to strike out the phrase “for his tireless efforts” and insert “supporting the Legislature’s efforts.”

The motion was defeated, with all the five Republican senators voting against it. Those who voted in favor of the motion were Reyes and Covenant Party members Joseph M. Mendiola and Henry H. San Nicolas. Democrat Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo abstained.

Reyes maintained that he did not make the adoption of the resolution a political issue. He said the resolution itself was introduced for a political reason. “This resolution is designed to enhance the governor’s image for the election,” he said.

But Manglona maintained that it was purely coincidental that the elimination of the inter-island toll took place during this election season. The approaching election notwithstanding, the governor should be recognized for his efforts, he said.

Mendiola said he agreed that the governor should be commended—and other people as well. “If we’re giving appreciation, let’s give it to everybody who contributed to make this possible,” he said.

Another vote was made. This time, Songao’s resolutions were adopted unanimously.

The Senate went on recess and the governor was let in to the Senate chamber for a ceremonial phone call to Tinian and Rota.

Babauta’s first call was for the Tinian Mayor’s Office, where he managed to talk to Mayor Francisco Borja’s assistant Philip Long. Borja was out to lunch when the governor called.

As Rota Mayor Benjamin Manglona was off-island, the governor called instead the Northern Marianas College campus on Rota.

The Senate also presented the resolutions to Babauta, and the CTC.