Quitugua recuses self from participating in impeachment hearing process

Citing personal conflict of interest, Sen. Justo S. Quitugua (R-Saipan) has recused himself from participating in the impeachment hearing process in the case against Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.

Quitugua informed Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) and Senate Special Committee on Impeachment Hearing chair Sen. Karl R. King-Nabors (R-Tinian) last March 8 that he will also recuse from voting on the articles of impeachment when it comes before the full Senate for a vote.

Quitugua disclosed that Torres’ maternal grandfather is his mother’s sibling.

Quitugua

“And in our close-knit community and Chamorro culture, familial relationship is intrinsically recognized and respected,” the senator said.

As of press time yesterday, Saipan Tribune was still waiting for Hofschneider’s reply whether he rejected or accepted Quitugua’s letter of recusal.

Last March 10, Hofschneider created the Senate Special Committee on the Impeachment Hearing and, despite Quitugua’s March 8 letter of recusal, appointed Quitugua as vice chairman.

In his March 8 letter, Quitugua said that he had already verbally expressed sometime during the first part of February 2022 in Hofschneider’s conference room—with some members of the leadership present—that he will be recusing himself from participating during the impeachment hearing process and voting due to a personal conflict of interest.

Quitugua said in the spirit of transparency and respect of the “conflict of interest” provision in the official rules of the Senate and the NMI Constitution Article 2, Section 15, he has a compelling personal conflict of interest that he should disclose.

The senator said that, although the NMI Constitution talks specifically about a bill, the Senate impeachment hearing process is unique and serious, if not more serious than any bill. He said he earnestly consulted his conscience whether or not he should actively participate.

“An action to remove a governor from office is not only a serious matter but is also tantamount to overriding the majority in voting a governor into office,” Quitugua said.

He said as an elected official, he performs his duties in the public interest and avoids circumstances that compromise his ability to make impartial judgments on any basis other than the public good.

Quitugua said he firmly believes that if there is something that could reasonably be deemed to compromise his impartiality or has the appearance of impropriety, he must abstain or recuse himself in order to maintain public confidence.

He said although he has absolutely no pecuniary interest or benefit in the impeachment of Torres, however, it is critically important for him to be transparent on his familial relationship with the governor to dispel any appearance of conflict or impropriety.

Last Monday, Sen. Teresita A. Santos (Ind-Rota) “respectfully declined” her appointment to serve as a member of the Senate Special Impeachment Committee.

Hofschneider later rejected Santos’ refusal, citing the lack of reason or justification.

The other committee members are Sens. Francisco Q. Cruz (R-Tinian) and Victor B. Hocog (R-Rota).

There will be a prehearing conference this Monday where the committee will discuss, among other deadlines, a date for the start of the impeachment hearings.