GOVERNOR Arnold Palacios has been officially informed by the CNMI judiciary about the retirement of two judges.
In a letter on Monday, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja told the governor that Associate Judge Wesley M. Bogdan will be retiring in Dec. 2023 while Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo will retire in June 2024.
“As their departures approach, we wish to respectfully request your timely consideration in nominating suitable candidates to fill these esteemed positions,” Castro and Naraja told the governor.
Bogdan, 65, ascended the bench in Nov. 2017. He served as a legal counsel of the Office of the Lt. Governor and the Office of the Governor during the administrations of Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, who appointed Bogdan as judge.
In the 2022 election, Judge Bogdan was retained by voters, garnering 70% of the total ballots cast. His current term ends on Aug. 15, 2029.
Govendo, 78, was appointed judge in 2003 by then-Gov. Juan N. Babauta. Govendo was retained by voters in 2007, 2014 and 2020, when his retention received 80% of the total ballots cast. His current term ends on June 19, 2027. He has started recusing himself from cases that will go beyond June 2024, Variety learned.
