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Tight security at State of the Commonwealth Address
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Posted on May 24 2009
Heightened security measures will be in place for Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s 2009 State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday morning in the House of Representatives chamber at the Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building on Capitol Hill.
The joint legislative session to receive the governor’s address will start at 10am.
The Constitution requires the governor to report at least annually to the Legislature regarding the affairs of the CNMI and new measures that are necessary or desirable for the islands.
House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios and Senate Pres. Pete P. Reyes, in a memorandum, advised members of the Legislature of the heightened security measures and that access into the legislative building will be at 8am.
“Parking spaces in front of the building will remain vacant prior to and during the event…To ensure that the joint legislative session begins on time, we kindly request all members to be at the legislative building no later than 9:15am,” they said.
Palacios and Reyes also reminded lawmakers that the attire for the session is coat and tie for men, and business wear for women.
The 16th House of Representatives has 20 members, while the Senate has nine.
Bishop Tomas A. Camacho will offer the benediction, while Joseph Taijeron Jr. will be the master of ceremony during the program.
In previous years, the SOCA was held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
Last year, the Senate and House disagreed on the venue of the SOCA, but later on agreed to hold it at the multi-purpose center. This year, however, the session will be held at the legislative building which is much smaller than the multi-purpose center.
