By Gina Tabonares
Variety News Staff

PROMISING to bring integrity and dignity to the Office of the Attorney General, Alicia Limtiaco, the second elected attorney general of Guam, defined her role as the island’s chief legal officer and announced major changes in the running of the office.
In her inaugural speech yesterday at the Atrium of the Justice Building, Limtiaco stated that the attorney general should not seek to impose his or her personal view when acting in the public interest but must evaluate an issue in terms of whether the laws are complied with or not.
Speaking before the newly-installed Gov. Felix Camacho, Lt. Gov. Mike Cruz, justices, lawmakers, and diplomatic corps, Limtiaco stressed that she understood her role as an AG and her relationship with the three branches of government.
Outgoing AG Douglas Moylan was not present; however, AG candidate Vernon Perez was there as well as some prosecutors from the AG’s office.
Speaking in front of a new AG emblem sporting a new golden color, Limtiaco outlined her objectives in ensuring that justice is served for all the people of Guam.
She declared her immediate plans such as accomplishing internal changes in the AG’s office that will require re-structuring of the department and the addition of new employees.
One of the major changes is the designation of Atty. Phil Tydingco as the chief prosecutor.
Mentioning the words “professionalism” and “cooperation” several times, Limtiaco enumerated some of her goals which include the implementation of an integrated prosecution management system with law enforcement agencies and the courts to assist in data gathering and criminal statistics; the establishment of a network among AG offices in the Pacific region to facilitate communication and the sharing of resources and training.
She mentioned the establishment of protocols with local, federal, military and foreign officials regarding prosecution and civil matters, the establishment of community outreach and public awareness programs and providing recommendations to the legislature regarding proposed and current criminal and civil laws.
Limtiaco said that she will review several of the current protocols and develop procedures that will enhance the resolution of procurement process issues and recruit experienced prosecutors and government attorneys.
She was applauded when she stated that she will reach out to the government and the community to re-establish professional relationships and to accomplish common goals.
When she said that she is committed to working diligently to bring honor, confidence and credibility to the Office of the AG, Limtiaco was applauded again by the audience.
Unlike Moylan whose absence was visibly noticed, Atty. Vernon Perez, Limtiaco’s closest political rival in the AG race expressed his support and confidence in the newly-installed AG.
“Her vision is similar to mine. I will support her and I am confident that she will improve the state of our law enforcement and I wish her all the best,” Perez said.
For AGO staff like Deputy Attorney Generals Basil O’ Mallan and Lewis Littlepage having a new boss means uncertainty, but great anticipation.
O’Mallan and Littlepage said that they are looking forward to working with Limtiaco and will carry on the work as the transition moves forward.
“We are troops in the trench. We are committed to serving the public not the boss,” they said.
U.S. Attorney for Guam and CNMI Lenny Rapadas is equally excited to have Limtiaco as the new AG saying that it will mean an improved working relationship between federal law enforcement units and the local AG office.
“I look forward to working with her. I haven’t had a good opportunity to work in the way we wanted for the last four years. I know Alicia because we worked together as both prosecutors in the AG’s office and I expect more cooperation and a better working relationship,” Rapadas told Variety.
He said it is important that the AG has a good working relationship with U.S. Attorney’s Office because they can share resources, exchange expertise through training and work on cases in an expeditious way.
“Ninety percent of the federal crimes start with local crimes and it’s important that local and federal law enforcement agencies have a great deal of cooperation. I really hope that we can have open communication lines,” Rapadas added.
Guam Supreme Court Chief Justice F. Phillip Carbullido said he is encouraged by positive comments about the new attorney general as he looks forward to working with the AG’s office under Limtiaco’s leadership.
“She has clear views and plans and it shows that she has a clear understanding of the role of the attorney general. The court and the AG’s office’s good working relationship is very important because we work on the same cases and in several areas which can be improved like sharing resources and working together in training prosecutors and defenders,” Carbullido said.
Former Guam Chief Justice and Sen. Benjamin Cruz couldn’t help expressing his elation about his former legal clerk.
“She will be an excellent attorney general because she understands her role and she is doing great in interpreting the law. I am very proud of her,” Senator Cruz said.
For Vincent Munoz, having a wife as an A.G. does not threaten him at all but makes him proud of his partner of 12 years.
“She works hard and I understand because I am the son of a strong, well-educated mother. Having an accomplished wife only makes me proud,” Munoz said.
He added that he knows that his wife is a workaholic so it will not surprise him if she spends a lot of time working as an AG.
“I am committed to supporting her. My wife and I still find time for the family. We share responsibilities and yes I wash my own clothes which I don’t mind,” Limtiaco’s husband quipped.