Sen. Paul A. Manglona, center, holding a baby, poses for a photo with family, friends and other supporters at the Commonwealth Election Commission.
WITH his wife, Lydia Manibusan Manglona, children, grandchildren, brother Thomas A. Manglona, other relatives, friends and supporters, Rota Sen. Paul A. Manglona filed his candidacy at the Commonwealth Election Commission on Wednesday.
His supporters who joined him at the CEC included Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, former Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Senate Vice President Donald Manglona, Sen. Celina R. Babauta and Rota Rep. Julie Marie Ogo. Another supporter, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, could not make it because he was meeting with Star Marianas officials.
Paul A. Manglona is the longest serving lawmaker and elected official in CNMI history. A member of the Second Constitutional Commission in 1985, he was first elected to the Senate in November 1987. He was re-elected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.
In 2012, however, he lost to Victor B. Hocog. In the 2014 election for Rota’s two senatorial seats, he finished third. Two years later, Rota voters elected him again to the Senate. He was re-elected in 2020.
As of Wednesday, Paul A. Manglona was the only official Rota senatorial candidate.
Lt. Governor Apatang is asking the people of Rota to support Manglona. “We need him back in the Senate,” he added.
Former Governor Babauta said, “We need to keep him for another term. I feel that it’s important that we have this continuity with somebody like Senator Paul who has experience and knowledge of issues.”
He said Manglona is “a man of compassion who understands the issues…from micro to macro levels.”
The senator, for his part, thanked everyone who joined him in submitting his candidacy. He said he was touched and extremely grateful to be surrounded by family, friends and his “beloved fellow people of Rota.”
“I’ve had the honor to serve the people of the Northern Mariana Islands, most especially the people of Rota, in the Commonwealth Senate for more than 34 years. My record speaks for itself. I believe that my hard work and devotion to our people throughout my years of service can be seen through my efforts in always tirelessly fighting for the best interest of the people who elected us,” Manglona said.
As someone supported by Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang, the senator said, “it is the opportune time for our people to re-elect me as their representative in the Senate” together with Rep. Julie Marie Ogo in the House of Representatives.
“I believe that Congresswoman Julie and I both have the experience, record, and grit to continue to ensure we get the help we need for Rota, the Commonwealth, and its people. So, to my dear people of Rota, this upcoming November 5th general election, you will have the opportunity of electing your representatives for our Commonwealth Legislature. This is your chance to make a positive difference. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past, and let us not squander this opportunity to continue making improvements as part of the legislative majority,” Manglona said.
“Once again, I am humbly asking for your vote of confidence for the honor to continue serving you in the Legislature. I promise our people nothing but hard work and the public’s voice in the Senate that will not be silenced. Together, we will make Rota and the Commonwealth a better place,” he added.
