By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Sen. Santy Asanuma has introduced a bill to amend the law and exempt misconduct in public office from the statue of limitations and to define the term public official.
Senate Bill 7-191, which was passed on first reading on the 25th special session on April 25, stated that public officials should be held to the highest standards of ethical conduct thus such legislation gives investigators and prosecutors the tools they need to detect and prosecute corruption by public officials.
Asanuma explained that his bill specifically removes the statute of limitations for misconduct in public office.
He noted that public corruption cases are among the most difficult and time-consuming cases to investigate and prosecute.
"Given the importance of enforcing public corruption offenses, removing the six-year statute of limitations becomes necessary. Too many supposed public servants have been serving their own interests, rather than the public interest," Asanuma said.
He said that such misconduct should not be afforded the sanctuary of any statute of limitations.
"Those who violate the public trust must be held accountable for their disservice to the people of Palau no matter how long it takes for any investigation and subsequent prosecution.
The new bill amedning 17 PNC Chapter 1 section 17 stated that "No person shall be prosecuted, tried or punished for any crime, except murder in the first or second degree or misconduct in public office, unless the prosecution is commenced within six years next after such crime shall have been committed.’
Also the new bill seeks to amend 17 PNC Chapter 23 Sec. 2301 to be amended as follows: "Every person who, being a public official or police officer, customs officer, immigration officer, airport or port security officer or quarantine officer, shall do any illegal acts under the color of office, or willfully neglect to perform the duties of his office as provided by law, shall be guilty of misconduct in public office, and upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned for a period of not more than one year, or fined $1,00 or both.
The bill said that a public official includes, but is not limited to, any publicly elected official, any publicly appointed official, and any traditional titile holder with an official government function.