Tebuteb: 1 more vote to secure speakership

Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb (Ind-Saipan) is at the cusp of securing the speakership of the 19th House of Representatives after increasing his support from incoming and retained members of the lower chamber from nine to 10.

The long-serving lawmaker from Precinct 3 said a member of the clique from the two other contenders has defected to his camp. He refused, however, to name the member or whether he comes from the group of incumbent House Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) or floor leader Rep. Ralph Demapan (R-Saipan).

“I have been meeting regularly with our colleagues to discuss priorities and key issues that need to be addressed in the 19th Legislature,” said Tebuteb. “The positive attitude and collegiality among this group is extremely refreshing.”

Some who are not yet in Tebuteb’s camp have questioned whether he will be able to work with the incoming administration of governor-elect Eloy S. Inos and lieutenant governor-elect Ralph DLG. Torres.

However, he assured the incoming administration that he would be a team player and work with the Executive Branch.

“My colleagues are definitely ready to work with and support the Executive Branch. We will draft and support good legislation that is in the best interest of our community,” he said.

Tebuteb has served 12 years as a Precinct 3 representative and is the current chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.

To win the speakership, the three contenders—Tebuteb, Deleon Guerrero, and Demapan—must muster at least 11 votes.

Saipan Tribune earlier reported that Tebuteb can expect to garner the support of nine independents, among them Reps. Edmund Villagomez, Ralph N. Yumul, Anthony T. Benavente, Roman Benavente, Larry Deleon Guerrero, and incoming representatives Edwin Propst, Vinson Sablan, and Blas Jonathan “B.J.” Attao.

Deleon Guerrero, meanwhile, is said to be counting on the votes of Rep. Anthony P. Sablan (Ind-Saipan) and freshmen lawmakers Edwin Aldan of Tinian and Francis Taimanao of Saipan.

Demapan can count on the seven NMI Republican Party lawmakers elected to the 19th Congress—Felicidad Ogumoro, John Paul P. Sablan, George Camacho, and newcomers Angel Demapan, Joseph “Leepan” T. Guerrero, and Glenn L. Maratita.

The 18th Legislature will sine die is on Jan. 5. 2015, while the 19th Legislature will be sworn in on Jan. 12, 2015.