Pangelinan brought up questions referring to the decision-making process on F.Q. Sanchez Elementary School. Specifically, Pangelinan questioned Canto on a recent statement made by the governor that his legal counsel gave the opinion: Because a law was passed first, the governor could not issue an order to open up F.Q. Sanchez, and the law required the Guam Education Board to act first.
The law that was passed stated if GEB does not reopen F.Q. Sanchez, the governor can do so by executive order.
“Was that your legal opinion to the governor?” asked Pangelinan.
“Yes it was,” answered Canto.
“Can you tell me why you read that law in that fashion,” asked Pangelinan.
Canto said it is possible the language was ambiguous but that according to his understanding of the law, it required an act of the board on whether to reopen or not reopen F.Q. Sanchez.
Pangelinan asked if he could get a copy of the legal opinion.
“I didn’t make an opinion in writing,” said Canto.
The only individual speaking against Canto’s nomination was Jojo Taitano, who questioned Canto’s appointment and cited his family’s quest to get back their property at Gogna (Gun Beach).
Taitano said Canto and attorney Tom Fisher were handling his case, but he didn’t receive the service he felt he deserved. The case is still in litigation in the Superior Court. He also claimed that Canto’s affiliation as Gov. Eddie Calvo’s legal counsel should be challenged.
In response, Canto noted he represented Taitano in an appeal in the Supreme Court against a Calvo corporation and won the appeal.
Canto said Fisher took over because he was handling a case in another trial.
“I think Mr. Taitano was mistaken. He was never abandoned by any means. I have nothing negative to say about him,” said Canto.
