By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Executive Branch had an increase of 115 employees since 2001, but the rise in the personnel was mandated by law.
President Remengesau explained during his weekly press conference that the additional employees in Executive Branch from year 2001 to 2007 were due to the creation of new offices or required under new laws.
From the 115 registered increase, 78 were paid through grants, 17 were Land registration officers transferred from Judiciary Branch mandated under RPPL 6-31.
The newly created offices which are needing new employees were the Compact of Free Association Review Commission, Palaris, Financial Institution Commission, the United Nations Representative Office, United States Corp. of Engineers, Taiwan Embassy, tax auditors hired under RPPL 5-34 and the United States Embassy/ Public Safety Officers.
The president said he is clarifying the increase to answer concerns.
The president said the increase was questioned following his State of the Republic Address last April 10.