Michael Ada is now the secretary of Commerce Department.
He succeeds James Santos who has been indicted on corruption charges involving the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.
Senators also confirmed former Arts Council Director Cecilia T. Celes’ nomination as secretary of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Likewise, the Senate confirmed Perry Inos’ appointment as associate judge for the Superior Court, filling in the post vacated by retired Judge Juan T. Lizama.
Sen. Luis Crisostimo, D-Saipan, said he’s very happy that Inos was finally confirmed.
“It’s unfortunate that [Inos] didn’t get confirmation during the first 90 days of his nomination. I am [glad] that he’s now confirmed,” Crisostimo told Variety in a phone interview.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial named Celes to head DCCA last month.
Celes previously worked as spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety and as press secretary of the Babauta administration.
She succeeds DCCA acting Secretary Melvin Faisao, a former lawmaker.
