With Sens. Luis P. Crisostimo, Ind.-Saipan, and Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, absent, the senators present voted yes to the report of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation, recommending the confirmation of Anthony H. Aguon, Roy T. Rios, Pedro Q. Dela Cruz and Joaquin S. Torres.
Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian and committee chairman, said they examined all the pertinent documents as well as testimonies supporting the nominations. He said his committee is convinced that Aguon, Rios, Dela Cruz and Torres have he necessary qualifications.
Although the appointees to the healthcare board have yet to get the results of their drug tests, Cruz said it is “imperative” to begin with the process of organizing the newly established healthcare corporation.
Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu, Ind.-Rota, pointed out that since all the nominees still lack one of the requirements, their confirmation should be “conditional.”
This means that if any of them tested positive for drugs, the governor will have to remove the appointee right away.
Cruz agreed saying the appointees’ membership on the advisory board should be in acting capacity until their drug test results are out.
Aside from the governor’s appointees, the advisory board will have three ex-officio members composed of the chief executive officer, the medical director and a non-physician worker of the corporation.
