Toribiong said that he is now reviewing a list of candidates that can possibly fill in the vacant position of the Special Prosecutor.
“I am conducting due diligence in finding a new special prosecutor,” the president said in an interview.
The president said he will appoint a foreigner to the post.
The president at the same time rebutted Sen. Tommy Remengesau’s previous statement that under the law, the post should be filled 60 days after it was left vacant.
“There is no time limit, unless the Olbiil Era Kelulau adopt a resolution asking me to appoint one,” he said.
He said he has 30 days to hire a special prosecutor after OEK adopts the resolution.
The post was left vacant in March but in Toribiong’s proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget, he has earmarked a budget for the office.
There is a pending measure before the OEK recommending that the National government should consider the possibility of discontinuing the Office of the Special Prosecutor and instead enact legislation in which a special prosecutor may be appointed and confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
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