THE Senate on Monday confirmed the appointment of Juan Aguon Pua as the new commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Pua, who has been the acting DFEMS commissioner over the last six months, was accompanied by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and other administration officials in the Senate chamber at 10:30 a.m.
Special Assistant to the Administration Oscar M. Babauta and former DFEMS Commissioner Claudio Norita testified in support of Pua’s confirmation.
On behalf of the administration, Babauta thanked the Senate and its Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations Committee for allowing the report on Pua’s nomination to be included in Monday’s agenda. He also thanked the EAGI chair, Sen. Celina R. Babauta, and the members of the committee for conducting public hearings on the nomination.
Norita said as the first commissioner of DFEMS, he relied heavily on Pua who was then the department’s fire chief.
Because of Pua’s advice, Norita said he was able to make judgment calls that were beneficial to the community and the department.
He thanked the EAGI committee for endorsing Pua’s confirmation.
Sen. Babauta, in her report as chair of the EAGI committee, said Pua’s credentials were evaluated, including his certifications, professional experience and his views.
She noted the Pua has been a fire fighter since 1989 and is a son of the CNMI. The EAGI committee, she added, has received several letters expressing support for his confirmation.
All the six senators present voted to adopt the EAGI committee report recommending Pua’s confirmation.
Senate Floor Leader Corina Magofna, Sen. Paul A. Manglona and Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider were excused.
Juan Pua
