By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Paul A. Manglona, who is seeking a sixth term in November, says it’s still too early to talk about politics.
Manglona, R-Rota, was asked by Variety to comment on Rep. Crispin M. Ogo’s announcement that he will also run for senator.
“I understand that Congressman Ogo has said that he will run for the senate. But I think we need to focus on (bigger problems). Our economy is not so bright. Our people are suffering. We have a budget shortfall at (the Public School System),” said Manglona in an interview yesterday.
Ogo, Covenant-Rota and chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, is serving a second term in the House of Representatives.
Manglona, the Senate president from 1998 to 2004 and the CNMI’s longest serving lawmaker, said he wants to continue serving the people of Rota.
“I will tell the public my plans in the coming months. I need to continue doing what is important for our people,” he said.