By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

There was no quorum in two straight days April 4-5 at the Senate as members of the so-called minority bloc, Santy Asanuma, Caleb Otto, Yukiwo Dengokl and Surangel Whipps Sr., refused to attend instead they are demanding that their other colleagues abandon the Resolution that made Joshua Koshiba as president.
Floor Leader Alan Seid met with Asanuma, Otto, Dengokl and Whipps afternoon yesterday in an effort to solve the leadership issue by means of discussion.
Asanuma insisted that Koshiba did not receive the endorsement of at least five Senators.
"He has no authority to call the Senate into session. All his actions are not valid because it requires at least five to make him the president," Asanuma said.
Earlier, after the first scheduled session on Wednesday following last week’s 4-3 vote that gave Koshiba the Senate presidency, Seid said that if they are not successful in a discussion, then "it’s up to the court to decide the issue But I still have high hopes."
Dengokl, Asanuma and Whipps asked the court to nullify Koshiba on March 29, seeking declaratory judgement, injunctive relief and monetary damages against defendants Koshiba, Tmetuchl and Seid.
Dengokl et al contended that Koshiba’s installation was unconstitutional arguing that the Constitution states that "a presiding officer of the Senate is elected when a majority of the members elected him or her."
The court has given Koshiba et al to submit their response and the oral argument is set on April 13.
But Koshiba et al asked the court to postpose the deadline date because the Senate Legal Counsel is presently off island and will not be available until Monday April 9.
Like on Wednesday’s scheduled session, Seid, Koshiba, Mlib Tmetuchl and Alfonso Diaz were present yesterday.
During a telephone interview late yesterday afternoon, Asanuma confirmed meeting with Seid saying they have expressed their position.
Asanuma said that the only way to resolve the issue is for Acting President Tmetuchl to continue to preside because, he said it is in compliance with the constitution.
"The only sensible and legal solution is for them to bandon the Resolution that made Sen. Koshiba as president so that the Senate can legally function," Asanuma said.
Tmetuchl, in an acting capacity, has called special session for 10 days to end today for important items that includes honoring the late Senate President Johnny Reklai, the vacancy issue, and the call for special election.
Seid said that they have to resolve the issue as early as possible because of the urgency of several bills.
"This is not a legal issue but a political issue," he said.
He said that the proper place for them to resolve is in the Senate where they can voice their concerns because the people of Palau expect them to resolve the problems.