By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

WITH 16 “yes” votes, the House of Representatives yesterday overrode Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s veto on House Bill 15-186 which will allow government employees to convert their annual leave in excess of 360 hours to sick leave.
It was Vice Speaker Justo S. Quitugua, D-Saipan and the principal author of the bill, who moved for the override.
Except for Rep. Martin Ada, R-Saipan, the 16 other members who were present voted in favor of the override.
Rep. Absalon V. Waki Jr., Covenant-Saipan , was excused.
Waki, the chairman of the House Committee on Federal and Foreign Relations, reportedly followed the governor to Seoul where he is meeting with executives of Asiana Airlines’ parent company, Kumho Asiana Group.
This information was not confirmed as of press time yesterday.
The governor vetoed H.B. 15-186 on April 11, saying it may result in further unfunded liability for the cash-strapped government.
In his veto message to the Legislature, the governor said the bill was marred by “fallacies” and “inconsistencies” that may expose the system to abuse.
“First of all, this legislation creates different conditions for excepted service employees and civil service employees. Second, it allows each branch of the government and the autonomous agencies to promulgate regulations to implement this measure, which creates confusion and inconsistencies,” said the governor.
“It would be more reasonable for one agency, such as the Civil Service Commission, to promulgate regulations, since it is constitutionally designated to promulgate personnel policies for the CNMI government,” he added.
H.B. 15-186 states that accrued annual leave beyond 360 hours should be converted into sick leave.
It will become law if at least six of the nine senators also vote for an override.
According to the CNMI Constitution, “If two-thirds of the members in each house vote upon reconsideration to pass the [vetoed] bill…it shall become law.”