Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor of the CNMI, Reps. Tina Sablan and Leila Staffler, issued the following statement in response to criminal charges filed against sitting Gov. Ralph Torres (who is seeking reelection):
The rule of law is essential for people to have trust in their government. Checks and balances among three co-equal branches of government ensure that there are consequences for public officials who abuse their power. In the House of Representatives, we recognized these basic principles when we began the investigation into Governor Ralph DLG Torres’ public expenditures and violations of law, and ultimately when we impeached him for theft, corruption, and neglect of duty. The House’s decision to impeach Governor Torres was based on two years of painstaking legislative investigation that began in the 21st legislature, and continued in the 22nd. The House did its job.
The Office of the Attorney General’s decision to press criminal charges against Governor Torres is the result of months of its own independent, diligent investigation. According to the information filed in Superior Court, the evidence points to the governor having committed theft, misconduct in public office, and contempt. The OAG is constitutionally mandated to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth, and to prosecute violations of law. The OAG is doing its job.
We thank Attorney General Ed Manibusan for standing up for the people of the Commonwealth and taking an important step towards protecting public confidence in our system of justice. This latest turn of events in Governor Torres’ troubled administration underscores how badly change is needed in the Commonwealth’s gubernatorial leadership. People are yearning for genuine change and a more hopeful future. We are listening. We are running together for governor and lieutenant governor because we want change too. And we are committed to delivering the good governance that our people deserve: a government that is fair, honest, and responsible; a government that respects our laws and safeguards the people’s trust.
Sincerely,
Christina Sablan and Leila Staffler
2022 Democratic Candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor
1 Comments
Austin
04/20/2022 at 12:35 PM
It seems very clear that the CNMI’s Governor and the majority of the Republican Leadership cannot stand up to face the truth directly presented to them. What are they afraid of by not standing their ground, and answering the questions and concerns from the Democratic Leadership or anyone else for that matter. They clearly have things to hide and cover up as much as possible as they have proven by making corrupt rules, policies, and procedures for their personal gain. When will the people of our CNMI and Nation stand up for what is fair, right, and just for all of the people?