By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Luis P. Crisostimo says he is drafting a measure that will increase the required number of local employees a company must hire.
Crisostimo, D-Saipan, said he will also push for a wage increase.
“That is definitely my goal — why I am seeking re-election,” he said.
Current law requires a company to have a workforce that is at least 20 percent local.
Crisostimo wants a higher figure.
He said jobs continue to be elusive for residents because non-residents have most of the jobs in the CNMI.
“We have to focus on providing jobs for locals,” he added.
Most locals, however, prefer to work for the government because the private sector pays only $3.05 an hour — the CNMI’s wage rate since 1996.