The chairman of the legislative finance committee, concerned by the federal government’s corruption case alleging federal funds were siphoned by the lieutenant governor’s family, said he will be calling an oversight hearing “at the appropriate time.”
“I will be convening an oversight hearing focused on safeguarding all federal funds moving forward, ensuring transparency and accountability for our people while respecting the integrity of the judicial process,” Chris Duenas, a Republican senator said, replying to Kandit’s questions on the matter. “My priority is to protect taxpayer resources. Our people deserve that from us.”
Mr. Duenas, since assuming the helm of the government’s budget and appropriations committee in January, has repeatedly warned of impending austerity due to a number of factors ranging from the slow recovery in tourism to the Trump tax cuts and federal programs cuts.
“I am deeply concerned whenever allegations of federal funds misuse arise, as they undermine public trust and could jeopardize future federal aid that our island depends on,” Mr. Duenas said. “I have said this many times before. The reality is that local funds alone cannot accommodate the critical needs these federal programs support. It is my priority to protect the integrity of these programs so that federal partners remain confident in continuing to support our island.”
Duenas is the third Republican senator to speak out with broad and grave concern since the federal court in Anigua unsealed a June 25, 2025 grand jury indictment against Charissa Tenorio, Frankie Rosalin, Matthew Topasna, Kathleen Peredo, Marlene Pinaula, Winnie Jo Santos, and Tina Sanchez. The seven face trial on September 3 this year for their alleged part in laundering money, defrauding the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program and the victims of the case, and using the mail and banking systems to further the conspiracy. Ms. Tenorio, the lieutenant governor’s only sibling, faces witness tampering charges. All but Mr. Topasna, who is the lieutenant governor’s boyfriend, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr. Topasna is scheduled to be arraigned on July 29, a delay due to a dispute over whether Jay Arriola can continue to be his lawyer. Ms. Peredo, the former Guam PUA Program Office manager and presently the quartermaster of the Department of Military Affairs, is challenging Mr. Arriola’s ability to represent any of the defendants in the case.
Shawn Gumataotao, a senator and also the chairman of the Republican Party of Guam was the first senator to react to the news, demanding transparency from Adelup about the scandal. Adelup has released two holding statements, refusing to answer reporters’ questions directly and instead referring reporters to those holding statements. The statements essentially ask the public to presume the innocence of the seven criminal defendants, four of whom are government employees, and to assert that Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio is not under federal investigation.
Adelup also refuses to furnish the media with confirmation or proof that Mr. Tenorio is not under federal investigation. Throughout the Tenorio corruption case indictment, the U.S. Attorney alleges that the seven named defendants conspired with others unnamed in the indictment to further the alleged crimes.
Earlier this week, Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. confirmed he and other senators have been discussing their concerns about the ability of the executive branch to continue functioning amid a “continuity of government” crisis if the scandal persists. Discussions surrounding the possible resignation or removal of the lieutenant governor from office, he said, have yet to be formally made within the Republican caucus, though the Barrigada Republican acknowledged the calls mounting from the public.
“My team and I are currently reviewing the details surrounding this matter,” Mr. Duenas said, adding, “It is important that we do not interfere with an active federal investigation.”
Mr. Duenas’ committee has oversight of the governor’s office, according to the speaker.
“We will fully participate in hearings called by the legislature regarding federal programs,” governor’s communications director Krystal Paco-San Agustin said. “However, we will not comment on matters subject to current court proceedings. As the Senator himself acknowledged, ‘it is important that we do not interfere with an active federal investigation.’l
No Democrat senator has reacted to the indictments.
