Pedro Paduna Guerrero
FORMER Speaker Pedro Rogolifoi Guerrero, popularly known as Paduna, passed away Monday morning at the Commonwealth Health Center. He was 80.
According to his niece, Melia, he originally was in Hawaii for hip surgery and was then diagnosed with cancer. Although he underwent cancer treatment, it was unsuccessful. He was not confined due to spinal stenosis as erroneously reported earlier. He was also not unresponsive when he arrived on Saipan. He was aware and able to respond. Additionally, he had been admitted to CHC since his arrival and passed away peacefully on Monday morning.
Heavy hearts
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios issued the following statement:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news about the passing of former House of Representatives Speaker Pedro ‘Paduna’ R. Deleon Guerrero, a beloved member of our community whose legacy of public service and dedication will forever be remembered.
“Mr. Deleon Guerrero was not only a devoted public servant but also a compassionate leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our people. As a legislator, he introduced numerous bills aimed at addressing crucial issues facing our community, from education governance to environmental protection.
“His legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication to the CNMI will continue to inspire us all. Let us honor his memory by reflecting on his contributions and by striving to carry forward his vision of a better, brighter future for our islands.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
For her part, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero said she was deeply saddened by her uncle’s passing. “I have deep respect for him and will forever cherish my private meetings with him where he always provided his heartfelt guidance and views on issues of great importance to the people of the CNMI.”
“May Uncle Pete (Paduna) rest in peace with our Heavenly Father,” the Senate president said.
Sen. Paul A. Manglona said one of Paduna’s “many contributions in his lifetime was his dedication to public service and his goal of making government work for its people.”
“He will be truly missed. He was a great man and to honor his life is a small tribute to a man who lived a life of service,” he added.
“Like politicians of his generation, he never evaded controversial and difficult decisions. He understood that as a public servant he had to make those tough decisions and unpopular legislative votes as they were part of the privilege of public service,” Manglona said.
Admirable leader
Former Rep. John S. Reyes said he worked closely with Paduna in the House of Representatives for four years. Reyes said he admired the former speaker’s leadership and knowledge in CNMI-federal relations and self-government.
Former Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb said Paduna was “one of our pioneers in the political formalization of our Commonwealth.” He said Paduna also served as a “unifier” in the Legislature.
Tebuteb extends his sincere condolences to Paduna’s family. “I really have the greatest respect for him. He is one of the persons that I admire,” Tebuteb added.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Leo B. Tudela said he was saddened by the former speaker’s passing. He remembered growing up with Paduna. He said they were classmates from first to sixth grades. “We knew each other since we were five years old,” Tudela said.
Former Commerce Secretary Pete Dela Cruz said he was very sad to learn about the passing of his “very close friend.” He said they shared many good memories while they were employed by the first Commonwealth government, which was sworn into office in 1978.
Long-time public servant
Born on Nov. 3, 1943, Paduna was a police officer of the Trust Territory of the Marianas District on Saipan in 1963 and worked as a photographer for the Office of the High Commissioner, and photo-journalist for the Honolulu Star Bulletin from 1964 to 1967.
In 1968, he was a village commissioner of Saipan representing Chalan Kanoa District 4. He became a Saipan council member and a member of the Fifth Marianas District Legislature. He served as House speaker of the 6th and 7th Legislatures.
He was also a member of the CNMI negotiation panel for the Covenant Section 702 discussions, and the 902 talks from 1988 to 1992.
His last government position was Marianas Public Land Trustee.
