KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Palau’s legislature, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, has adopted a resolution condemning President Tommy Remengesau’s executive order that reorganized the executive branch, calling it a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.
Remengesau, however, said he did not exceed his constitutional authority and that he carefully considered the Constitution and the laws of the country prior to signing the order.
Senate Resolution 6-53 states that Executive Order 203 “conflicted with existing statutes.”
Lawmakers said Remengesau assumed legislative powers when he issued an executive order that purported to supersede existing laws. Further, the resolution states that the OEK will seek legal remedy to “correct” the president’s “unconstitutional action.”
Senate President Seit Andres said it was not the OEK’s role to act as the executive branch’s “rubber stamp.”
Only a law can amend another law, not an executive order, he added.
Last November, Remengesau eliminated several bureaus and divisions which, he said, resulted in savings amounting to $480,000.
In a letter to Andres and House Speaker Mario Gulibert, Remengesau said there was nothing illegal with the reorganization, adding that it had been done by previous administrations.
Remengesau said there was no violations of the separation of powers doctrine since he did not reorganize the other two branches of the government.
The matter should not be turned into a political issue, he added.
