House rejects resolution calling for investigation of Villagomez

The House of Representatives yesterday failed to pass a resolution that would create a committee to investigate allegations against Lt. Governor Timothy Villagomez and report recommendations on whether there was cause for impeachment.

Rep. Tina Sablan, who authored the resolution, was the only member to support the measure that would look into the charges filed against Villagomez, which include conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, wire fraud, theft concerning federal funds and bribery.

After the resolution’s defeat, Sablan said she was disappointed by the House’s actions.

“I think that the action of the House to kill the resolution is a major failure on our part to what is right for the people of the CNMI,” she said.

The fact that she was only one to vote in support of the resolution should resonate with the citizens of the CNMI as elections near, she added.
Many of the House members worried that conducting their own investigation might impede the criminal investigation currently ongoing, as well as taint possible jurors.

“We will taint the trial,” said Rep. Diego Benavente. “That’s something we don’t want to do. It’ll be irresponsible for us to act now.”

Some members said it was too close to the March trial to begin an investigation and questioned what would happen if the Lt. Governor was impeached and later exonerated in the court of law.

“There’s a reason why you’re innocent until proven guilty,” said Rep. Ralph Torres. “Let’s respect the Judicial Branch,” he said, adding that it’s not a matter of turning away from the issue but respecting the system.

Sablan said she disagrees that the measure has come too late. When the first indictment came out last summer, the representatives were hesitant to do anything, she said.

Vice Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero said the House legal counsel affirmed his belief that any legislative action might affect the criminal trial. Deleon Guerrero said he realizes that if the situation occurred in the States, the Legislature would more than likely proceed with such an investigation.

“I’m glad cultural sensitivities are still important,” he said. “It’s not our culture to beat someone who is already down.”

Sablan said she would consider a new resolution that would instead ask for Villagomez to resign. Several of the House members said they thought that could be an alternative.