Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, Ind.-Saipan, was absent, but all the eight senators voted in favor of Camacho’s appointment three days before the deadline to act on it.
Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said Camacho is qualified and he is confident that the former lawmaker will give every person in the CNMI their day in court.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he believes Camacho will render fair rulings and decisions “because that is what he is.”
“I want to make it very clear that I always noticed that before he gives an opinion or renders opinion he first engages his brain before his mouth and that is very important,” the governor said, adding that the new judge’s résumé is very impressive.
“I am very impressed and very proud. He is also my cousin’s son,” Fitial added.
But the governor declined to comment on the Supreme Court vacancy.
“I don’t necessarily engage in premature discussions,” he said.
Once Camacho starts his new job, “maybe that is the time that we can talk about it,” Fitial said.
Camacho thanked the governor and the Senate for nominating and confirming him “to such an honorable and prestigious position.”
He said it touched his heart that the governor came personally to show his support.
He also thanked his family, especially his wife, as well his friends for their show of support. Camacho also thanked other elected and appointed officials, including former Gov. Juan N. Babauta.
“I will do my very best to work hard and be a fair and impartial judge,” he said.
Asked about his opinion on sentencing criminals, Camacho said: “You could lock somebody for three years or 20 years but if you don’t rehabilitate them, they will come out worse than when they went in.”
A sentence, he said, should not be just to deter and incarcerate but also to rehabilitate.
“Yes, we should punish people who commit crimes, that is our system, but we should also see that they become productive members when they come out,” Camacho said.
Rep. Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero, Ind.-Saipan, said, Camacho will mete out “justice with a heart.”
Coastal Resource Management Office Director Rita Chong Dela Cruz said she believes Camacho will make a great judge.
“He has the temperament and the personality for it. It’s as if he like was made for this kind of a job. He is very patient and takes time to understand issues and situations before making decisions, a trait that I think is vital,” she said.
