By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

An independent legal counsel is expected to be named soon to look into the real reasons behind the closure of Pacific Savings Bank.
Based on the annual national budget for fiscal year 2007 which was signed into law last week, President Remengesau should hire an independent counsel within 90 days after the its effective date, which was Wednesday Jan. 3.
An appropriated amount of $200,00 will be used for the exclusive use by an independent legal counsel to carry out an investigation and prosecution of the matters related to the closing of the PSB.
The newly signed RPPL 7-25, said that the Attorney General should carry on with all the cases filed before Jan. 3.
However, the independent counsel should upon his or her hiring date, take the lead on investigating and prosecuting matters relating to the closing of the PSB while the independent counsel is employed.
The law also said that upon the request by the independent counsel, the AG and the Special Prosecutor should provide assistance to the independent counsel, who should be removed only for cause or lack of appropriation.
The independent counsel will not be removed for cause without the President’s first consulting the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates and ascertaining that their consensus is in accordance with his proposed actions.
The law also said that in the event that the independent counsel has to leave before finishing hir or her duties and responsibilities, the independent counsel must provide adequate notice to the President to provide time to hire for replacement.