Then-Commonwealth Utilities Corporation grants writer Candice Nicole LG Muna appears before a joint Public Utilities, Transportation & Communications Conference Committee in the House chamber on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.
COMMONWEALTH Utilities Corporation grants writer Candice Nicole LG Muna was placed on administrative leave after making public comments about alleged mismanagement and corruption at CUC.
Muna received a formal notification from CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson on Tuesday.
“You submitted an entirely unsubstantiated complaint against a colleague,” Watson told Muna. “The employee filing the complaint bears the burden to prove the violations he/she is claiming. You failed to provide your witness list and evidence despite numerous reminders and extension deadlines. You have committed multiple instances of insubordination,” he added.
Watson said Muna had also “engaged in unauthorized representations and communications on behalf of the Corporation with our local and federal partners without proper authorization.”
He said Muna likewise claimed to “have submitted grant applications on behalf of the Corporation; however, you failed to follow company protocols.”
“Recently,” Watson said, “you disrupted an official Board of Directors meeting. This behavior constitutes not only direct insubordination, but violation of the chain of command, and breach of company protocols.”
Watson said “a formal complaint has been lodged against [Muna] regarding harassment and creating a hostile work environment.”
“During this period of administrative leave,” Watson said, “you are not authorized to perform any work-related duties, attend events, functions, meetings, and/or trainings as an employee of CUC, or access company premises.”
He added, “This leave is not disciplinary action but a precautionary measure to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.”
Muna will continue to receive her regular salary and benefits during her administrative leave.
Watson said CUC management will notify her of any further actions or decisions following the conclusion of their investigation.
Last week, Muna appeared before a joint Public Utilities, Transportation & Communications Conference Committee meeting regarding House Bill 23-97, which would, among other things, create a revolving fund for the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission.
Speaking as a concerned citizen, Muna alleged mismanagement, conflict of interest, and corruption at CUC.
Muna also expressed her concerns about CUC’s memorandum of agreement with the administration, canceling the central government’s unpaid utility bills amounting to $10.9 million.
She said ultimately, CNMI taxpayers would shoulder the arrears.
At a CUC special board meeting held on Oct. 4, Muna expressed her opposition to a declaration of a state of emergency for power generation for Rota and Saipan.
Candice LG. Muna speaks at the CUC special board meeting last October 4.
