By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang has nominated Associate Judge Joseph Norita Camacho to serve as the next presiding judge of the CNMI Superior Court, formally submitting the appointment to the Senate for advice and consent.
In a Feb. 6 letter to Senate President Karl R. King‑Nabors, Apatang cited Article IV, Section 5 of the CNMI Constitution, which authorizes the governor to appoint the presiding judge subject to Senate confirmation. If approved, Camacho would serve a six-year term.
Apatang said he and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola are confident that Camacho “will make valuable contributions to the Superior Court,” adding that supporting documents — including Camacho’s résumé, statement of financial interest, police clearance, and drug test results — will be transmitted when available.
In a separate letter to Camacho, Apatang wrote that he and the lieutenant governor “have every confidence” in his ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position “with impartiality and in good conscience.” The letter also outlined the statutory requirements Camacho must complete before the Senate can act, including filing a statement of financial interest with the Office of the Public Auditor pursuant to 1 CMC §8511.
Other judicial appointments
Camacho’s elevation to presiding judge is expected to trigger additional judicial appointments. Current Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja is anticipated to be nominated to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the resignation Justice Perry Inos last week.
The Apatang-Mendiola administration is also expected to nominate a new Superior Court judge to fill the seat that would be vacated by Camacho.
Camacho’s nomination has been circulated to the Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee, the judiciary, and other relevant offices for review. The administration is scheduled to officially announce the nominations Monday morning.
Background
Camacho is a graduate of Northern Marianas College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He later received a Bachelor of Arts in History from San Jose State University, a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University, and a Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Before joining the bench, Camacho served as a prosecutor with the CNMI Office of the Attorney General and later established a private law firm with his wife, Viola Alepuyo, who is also an attorney. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Commonwealth courts.
In 2007, Camacho was elected to the 16th CNMI House of Representatives, where he served as House floor leader. On Nov. 10, 2011, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial appointed him as Superior Court Judge. He was overwhelmingly retained by CNMI voters in the 2016 and 2022 elections.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
