By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
SENATOR Manny Gregory T. Castro on Saturday explained his decision to defect to the Republican Party, saying his governing philosophy “has naturally evolved” through years of public service and listening to families, business owners, educators, and workers across the CNMI.
Responding to a statement issued last week by the Democratic Party of the NMI, which said Castro should explain how his political philosophy aligns with former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ “legacy of corruption,” Castro said, “If that is the standard, then no elected official could ever join any political party.”
Political parties, he said, are made up of individuals who should be judged by their own conduct.
“That is the standard I have always applied regardless of party [affiliation]. It is also the standard I ask others to apply to me,” he said.
Castro, who was elected senator in 2024, also revealed that the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, before his passing, “had made the decision to join the Republican Party.”
The senator said it had always been his intention to stand beside Palacios.
Before announcing his decision to join the GOP, Castro said he was “completely transparent” with Torres.
“I told him plainly that had Governor Palacios still been with us today, I would have been standing with Governor Palacios.”
“I appreciated Governor Torres’ understanding and honesty. That conversation reflected the kind of respect that should exist in politics — even among people who may not agree on every issue,” Castro said.
He said serving as an elected official has reinforced something he already believed.
“Political labels often reveal very little about a person’s character,” he said.
“I have watched Democrats support Republican candidates. I have watched Republicans support Democratic candidates. I have watched Independents quietly work against fellow Independents. I have learned that politics can become consumed by personalities instead of principles. That experience did not make me cynical. It made me more convinced that principles matter more than party affiliation,” Castro said.
His decision to join the GOP, he said, “reflects where my governing philosophy has naturally evolved.”
“I believe government should empower people — not control them. I believe government should be efficient, accountable, and fiscally responsible. I believe a thriving private sector creates jobs, opportunity, and long-term prosperity. These beliefs did not suddenly appear. They developed through years of public service, listening to families, business owners, educators, and workers across our Commonwealth,” Castro said.
He said politics today “often confuses signal with noise.”
“There is far too much noise. Rumors instead of facts. Labels instead of ideas. Emotion instead of evidence. The people deserve better,” he said.
He quoted his uncle, former Department of Public Safety Commissioner Joe Castro, as saying, “When looking at a case, remove family ties and examine the facts.”
“Those words have guided my public service. Today, I would add one more: Facts must always matter more than feelings. The people did not elect me to defend political parties. They elected me to solve problems. They elected me to strengthen our economy. They elected me to conduct meaningful oversight. They elected me to improve the lives of our people. That mission has never changed. I respect those who disagree with my decision. Healthy democracies require differing opinions,” he said.
But he said he hopes his decision will be judged fairly — not by assumptions, political labels, or inherited narratives — but by his actions, his record, and his continued commitment to the people of the Commonwealth.
“Talk is easy. Leadership is action. And I intend to keep working,” 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.
