House confirms 3 nominees to CPUC without drug test results

The House confirmed on Tuesday three of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s nominees to the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission even before receiving the results of their drug test results.

Those confirmed by the House to CPUC were Joseph C. Guerrero representing Saipan; Zenie Palacios representing Tinian; and Oscar Patrick Quitugua representing Rota.

By a vote of 18-0, the House adopted the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications chaired by Rep. Stanley Torres (Ind-Saipan) recommending the confirmation of the three.

However, the PUTC said if the drug test result proves positive, the confirmation will be automatically rescinded.

CPUC nominees require the advice and consent of both the House and Senate.

Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian), chairman of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations, said his committee will hold a public hearing on the nomination of these three on Thursday at 10am.