House of Representatives Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee chair Rep. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan) has clarified that the subpoena they issued to Office of the Governor\u2019s chief of staff William \u201cWil\u201d Mendiola Castro does not implicate him in his current official capacity. <\/p>\n
This developed as Babauta said yesterday that barring any setbacks with COVID-19, they will proceed with the scheduled JGO hearing this Tuesday, Nov. 16. Two legislative staff have tested positive for the virus. <\/p>\n
Babauta said the JGO Committee\u2019s inquiry is limited to Castro\u2019s personal knowledge of certain requests for reimbursement and travel claims made by Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres during a period preceding Castro\u2019s appointment as chief of staff.<\/p>\n
She clarified the scope of the JGO\u2019s subpoena in her email Wednesday to Torres\u2019 Washington D.C.-based counsel, Ross Garber, and the Office of the Governor\u2019s counsel Gilbert Birnbrich.<\/p>\n
Babauta\u2019s email was in response to Birnbrich\u2019s and Garber\u2019s letters to her on Nov. 5 and 10, 2021.<\/p>\n
The JGO is investigating Torres\u2019 expenditures of public funds and travels.<\/p>\n
House sergeant-at-arms Pedro O. Towai served last week the subpoena commanding Castro to appear and testify before the JGO on Nov 19 at 10:30pm.<\/p>\n
Castro, who was just recently hired as chief of staff, was commanded to testify about reimbursement for meals, hostings, and gifts claimed by or on behalf of Torres and\/or first lady Diann Torres. He will also be asked to testify about travel and meetings conducted or claimed by or on behalf of Torres and\/or Diann Torres, including but not limited to reimbursement requests.<\/p>\n
The JGO also issued subpoenas to three police officers who are assigned as personal security detail with the governor and his wife.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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