By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation on Tuesday unanimously passed House Local Bill 24-45, re-appropriating $256,235 in fund balances from earned bond interest income collected in the Third Senatorial District for Saipan projects and a portion of back pay for former Department of Public Works public information officer Felipe Q. Atalig.
Authored by Rep. Ralph N. Yumul, H.L.B. 24-45 now goes to the governor and allocates the funds as follows:
• $15,000 for the playground at the Carolinian Utt.
• $38,590 for the construction of an emergency speed table/bump in Garapan
• $50,000 for judgments against the Department of Public Works
• $88,045 for the purchase of base course for road repairs within the Third Senatorial District and/or the operations of the SNILD
• $64,600 for the Garapan Fishing Base revetment project
During the public comments portion of the session, Atalig testified in support of the bill. He submitted a copy of medical records from his oncologist detailing his health condition, telling lawmakers that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.
Since his termination from the job in 2018, Atalig, 84, has been seeking back pay in Superior Court. He originally sought $352,000, but after a recent development in his case, he said his pay level is $19.24 per hour and that his back pay from March 2018 to the present should be calculated at that rate.
“I am presently battling Stage 4 cancer, but I am still able to fight for my case and ask for your help and consideration. That is why I am requesting passage of the $50,000 reflected here, so that I can at least enjoy a little time with my family,” Atalig said.
He added that DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul has been doing an outstanding job in resolving his case.
Rep. Danny Aquino said Atalig, a lifelong fighter, has been in an “uphill battle” on the matter. “Let’s not ignore this. It’s an obligation of the CNMI,” he said.
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.
