By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE House of Representatives of the CNMI’s 24th Legislature on Tuesday adopted House Resolution 24-17 honoring and memorializing the life and legacy of the late former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente.
Authored by Rep. Roy Ada and introduced by the entire House membership as a committee of the whole, H.R. 24-17 also commends Benavente for his distinguished public service, steadfast leadership, athletic and maritime accomplishments, and enduring contributions to the CNMI, and extends its deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, Vicky, his children, grandchildren, friends, and the entire Benavente family.
Benavente passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2025, surrounded by family at his residence in As Lito. He was 66.
One of the sons of the late Roman Manahane Benavente and the late Dolores Tenorio Benavente, the former lieutenant governor — who also served as speaker of the House in the 9th, 10th, and 11th Legislatures and as House minority leader in the 16th and 17th Legislatures — dedicated his life to serving the people of the Commonwealth with integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment, earning the respect and admiration of generations of public servants.
His distinguished public service began with his 1990 election to represent Saipan Election District II in the 7th Legislature, where he also served as vice speaker of the 8th Legislature. He continued representing District II through the 12th Legislature.
As speaker of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Houses, Benavente guided landmark measures that strengthened the Commonwealth’s economy, infrastructure, and education.
In 2002, he was elected lieutenant governor, serving honorably alongside Gov. Juan N. Babauta until 2006. He returned to the House of Representatives in the 16th Legislature and continued in the 17th, during which he chaired key committees and served as minority leader before retiring on July 16, 2011. He left a legacy of more than 19 years of elected service and was widely recognized as one of the Commonwealth’s most experienced and respected statesmen.
The resolution also honors Benavente for public service that extended beyond the Commonwealth into regional affairs, including his service as honorary consul of the Federated States of Micronesia to the CNMI beginning in 2018, his role in establishing the Pacific Islands Development Bank, and his long-standing involvement with the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures, through which he strengthened inter-island cooperation and championed Pacific-led growth and good governance.
H.R. 24-17 further recognizes Benavente as a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, championing marine conservation and authoring the Commonwealth’s landmark shark-protection legislation. His work earned regional and international recognition, including acknowledgment from the PEW Environment Group for his leadership in advancing shark preservation in the Pacific.
Beyond public office, the resolution states, Benavente was one of the CNMI’s most accomplished athletes — a baseball catcher and nine-time consecutive All-Star — as well as an avid golfer whose sportsmanship and dedication inspired many. He was also a long-time member of the Saipan Fishermen’s Association and a two-time grand champion of the Saipan International Fishing Tournament, reflecting his deep connection to the sea and to the fishing community that shared his passion.
H.R. 24-17 concludes that in every capacity — as a public official, athlete, fisherman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend — Benavente embodied humility, service, perseverance, and devotion to the people he loved and served.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
