By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

THE Senate unanimously passed yesterday a bill requiring the Department of Public Lands to consult with the municipal governments of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Aguiguan and the Northern Islands before any public land is offered for lease to the private sector, the homestead program or other projects.
Senate Bill 15-63, authored by Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian, now goes to the House of Representatives which postponed its scheduled session yesterday until Monday.
The House passed on Wednesday H.B. 15-196 which calls for the elimination of pay for 7 nonworking legal holidays and a 20 percent reduction in tax rebates.
The Senate did not discuss H.B. 15-196 but acted on other pending bills such as S.B. 15-63 which seeks to repeal three land-related laws.
The Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs chaired by Sen. Maria T. Pangelinan, D-Saipan, recommended the bill’s passage.