House Minority Leader Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, described the speaker’s statement as “petty” and not worth responding to.
Cabrera, R-Saipan, in an interview on Saturday challenged the House minority bloc to do what is right no matter how unpopular it is.
The CNMI government, he said, is facing so many problems and the people continue to suffer.
Government working hours may be cut again, this time from 64 to 56, he added.
This possibility should compel lawmakers to pass revenue-generating measures, including the very controversial measure to legalize casinos on Saipan, he said.
The idea, which he did not support the first time it was brought up years ago, appears to be the only one that can help address the “sufferings of the people,” Cabrera said.
“I did not support it. But after I sat down and thought of these economic hardships, I realized there’s no other solution except casinos,” he added.
“We have to stay focused on the things that we are obligated to take care of,” he said.
Cabrera noted that the CNMI government owes so much to so many, not only to vendors but to the Retirement Fund and many government employees who have yet to get their merit increases.
The speaker said he is not worried about next year’s elections. He will stay focused on the House leadership’s efforts in finding more ways to help the government earn revenue, he added.
Cabrera called on the members of the minority bloc not to spend too much time “filibustering” during the sessions. “Why not just bring their own ideas and try to work with the leadership so their proposals can be incorporated with our measures.”
The speakers said the minority bloc has consistently opposed just about everything proposed by the leadership.
Cabrera said he has no problem with anybody opposing something if it is really objectionable. But, he added, the minority bloc opposes even the good ideas, just for the sake of opposing it.
“They always criticize anything on the floor,” he added.
In a separate interview, Deleon Guerrero said the House leadership should start looking for ways to improve the livelihood of the people.
There have been so many proposals offered on the floor aside from Saipan casinos but the leadership, he added, refuses to work with the minority bloc.
Among the pressing issues lawmakers should be focusing on is the future of the active members of the Retirement Fund as well as the retirees themselves, Deleon Guerrero said.
The high utility costs and the dismal economy should also be among the priorities, he added.
For her part, Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota, said although the intent of the Saipan casino bill is to help bring in additional revenue, “it has always been my conviction that a highly controversial bill that would affect a senatorial district or districts should be decided upon by the majority of the electorate and there should be public hearings on the affected islands.”
Santos said she believes the Saipan casino bill in its present form would be bad for Tinian and Rota, both of which have struggling casinos.
“Thus, [it] must be fine-tuned before its final passage, if it’ll be passed,” she said.
