Sen. Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) asked Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee chair Jovita Taimanao (Ind-Rota) yesterday to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the controversial Saipan casino bill, now that the 40-day period for Gov. Eloy S. Inos to act on the legislation is still weeks away. Another option, which is to introduce a new bill that includes the proposed amendments, was brought up during a joint leadership meeting but not considered.
\nAs of yesterday, there is no telling whether any public hearing on the proposed amendments\u2014or any new bill\u2014will be held.<\/p>\n
Manglona\u2019s request comes days after Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz also asked the Senate to hold a public hearing on the casino bill on Tinian, where the only operating casino, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, is located.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince we still have a few weeks left before the 40-day time period for the governor to act on the measure, I am kindly requesting if you, as chair of the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee, can schedule a public hearing on the proposed amendments of HB 18-179 as agreed upon by the leadership of both houses,\u201d Manglona told Taimanao.<\/p>\n
A copy of the letter was also sent to Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan).<\/p>\n
At the proposed public hearing, Manglona said that officials should try to get individuals who are knowledgeable in the casino industry and can assist with some of the language and tax provisions in the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully, there are gaming industry experts on island that can testify at the public hearing on issues involving gaming, gambling, slot machines, the gaming entertainment industry, casino operators, and casino resort hotels,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He said the public hearing will also allow lawmakers the opportunity to hear directly from the people on how they feel about the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public can also participate in the final formulation of the proposed amendments. I know you agree with me that this is a long term commitment that we will all be making, and so let\u2019s use this opportunity to do it right. This is the time and opportunity to make sure that we will reap what we sow,\u201d Manglona added.<\/p>\n
The House passed the Saipan casino bill on March 3, about a month after it was prefiled without public hearing or without referral to a committee. A day later, the Senate passed it.<\/p>\n
Members of the public and lawmakers who voted against the bill described the passage as \u201crushed,\u201d and questioned the motive behind the manner in which the legislation was handled at the Legislature. The governor later called for a joint meeting with House and Senate members to work on proposed amendments should he decide to sign the bill.<\/p>\n
As of yesterday, the Inos administration and lawmakers are still reviewing the proposed amendments to the casino bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe administration continues to work closely with members of the Legislature to address technical errors and to formulate the necessary amendments. Once this joint effort is completed, the governor and the members will determine the following course of action,\u201d press secretary Angel Demapan said.<\/p>\n
The Tinian mayor separately reiterated yesterday that the bill now before the governor should be \u201crecalled\u201d by the Legislature.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should at least start with a clean bill, with the proposed amendments they have been working on and hold public hearings. If Tinian and Rota can do it, I\u2019m sure Saipan can do it, too. Why are they taking a short cut? It\u2019s the manner by which they are handling the bill that\u2019s raising a lot of questions,\u201d Dela Cruz said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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