GOVERNOR Juan N. Babauta has rescinded his April 12 letter withdrawing the nomination of former Sen. Edward U. Maratita to the Commonwealth Development Authority’s board of directors.
Babauta withdrew the nomination due to Maratita’s possible “conflict of interest.”
However, the governor said, “after a careful reconsideration of applicable laws and principles of advise and consent, I hereby officially rescind my April l2, letter.”
In a letter to Senate President Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, Babauta said Maratita’s “varied understanding and knowledge” will assist CDA in the implementation of its programs and activities.
“He is an individual that has served the people of Rota and he understands the way the government works and in particular CDA. And I just feel that he will be a great asset to CDA as board member,” Babauta told Variety in an interview.
Babauta said it is the Senate that will determine whether the concerns raised regarding Maratita’s nomination should prevent his confirmation.
According to the governor, the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation can now proceed with the confirmation process.
A Rota Republican, Maratita was elected senator in 1989, but failed to win a second term in 1993. Four years later, he was again elected to the Senate. Last November, however, he narrowly lost his bid for another term.
