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Checks and balances in next administration stressed
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Posted on Dec 02 2005
The House minority bloc yesterday said the system of checks and balances should be maintained in the next administration, amid a possible Covenant Party rule in the Legislature.
The incumbent minority members met Thursday to come up with a plan to get the House leadership. The Republican representatives want Minority Leader Arnold Palacios to be the next speaker.
“It’s always nice politically to have one party controlling the executive and legislative branches. It could help get things done smoothly. But it’s also important to have a check and balance, no matter who the governor is,” said Rep. Ramon Tebuteb, spokesperson for the minority bloc.
The House has been under the control of the Covenant Party during the last two years of Republican Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s administration.
Seven of the 18 representatives who won in the Nov. 5, 2005 general election are Republicans: incumbents Martin Ada, Joseph Deleon Guerrero, Benjamin Seman, Arnold Palacios, and Tebuteb, as well as Manuel Tenorio and Candido Taman.
The Covenant Party will also have seven representatives in the next House: Cinta Kaipat, Oscar Babauta, Jesus Lizama, Francisco Dela Cruz, Absalon Waki Jr., Edwin Aldan, and Crispin Ogo.
Of the four Democrats and independents, only Rep.-elect Stanley Torres is expected to join the Republicans. Torres has always aligned himself with the GOP during his previous terms.
Independent Ray Yumul, whose family has been active in the Covenant Party campaign, will likely join his former party.
Incumbent Rep. Justo Quitugua has an alliance with the Covenant Party. It is not known whether his fellow Democrat, Rep.-elect Florencio Deleon Guerrero, will follow suit.
