By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

A WEEK after announcing the suspension of his office’s services due to lack of funding for fuel, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela yesterday said they are providing services by using his and his staff’s own money.
Tudela said some who need the mayor’s services have volunteered to pay for the fuel and the repair of his vehicles.
His staff yesterday were preparing for the annual pilgrimage to the top of Mt. Tapotchao on Good Friday.
Tudela said since Tuesday, they have been working on the road up Mt. Tapotchao all the way to the shrine.
He said they have to clear the bushes, get rid of debris, clean the stairs and repair the only restroom there.
Many on Saipan, especially churchgoers, visit Mt. Tapotchao during Good Friday.
Tudela announced last week that he would be unable to continue his office’s public services due the finance department’s failure to pay the Mobil Oil on time for municipal government operations.
The mayor’s office was not able to settle its $9,000 fuel bill because funding from the cash-strapped government was not available.
Tudela said that they are now working on settling the bill after receiving the third quarter allotment for the operation of the mayor’s office.