Variety asked him to comment on a complaint regarding an “unreasonable exchange of lands” between the government and private individuals.
That was “merely an intent,” Babauta said.
On Nov. 14, DPL published two notices about a proposed land exchange involving Brenda Cabrera Manglona and the heirs of Fabiana Nekkai.
The 5,820-sq. meter property of Manglona in As Lito will be exchanged with public land on Navy Hill that is of the same size, while the 40,000-sq. meter property of the heirs of Nekkai in San Roque will be exchanged with public land in Marpi also of the same size.
Navy Hill and Marpi are considered areas with “prime” land.
“The purposed of the land exchange is to acquire a private property for public purpose,” according to the notice of proposed land exchange.
In an email, Babauta said DPL is currently considering land exchange proposals.
“This program has been in the books [CNMI Code] for many years now,” he added.
He said the government usually acquires land for endangered species, right of way easements, ponding basins and public facilities.
Once CNMI government certifies the need for private land, DPL initiates the process.
“Please note that based on DPL’s experiences with its clients, there are times when they cancelled the negotiated methodology for various reasons beyond DPL’s control,” Babauta said without elaborating.
