THE Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of five cabinet members.
All of the eight senators present voted to adopt the report of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment and Government Investigations recommending the confirmation of Mary Margaret Sablan as Department of Community and Cultural Affairs secretary; Sylvan O. Igisomar, Department of Lands and Natural Resources secretary; Ross Hugh Manglona, resident executive of the Indigenous Affairs Office; former Rep. Leila Staffler, Department of Labor secretary; and Anthony C. Torres, Department of Corrections commissioner.
Senate Floor Leader Corina L. Magofna was excused from the session.
The Senate EAGI committee chair, Sen. Celina R. Babauta, thanked Sablan, a retiree, for her willingness to serve as DCCA secretary. She said there are no impediments in terms of Sablan’s background, education and professional standing. All those who came to the public hearing expressed support for her appointment, Babauta said.
She noted that Igisomar is a former Division of Fish and Wildlife director and a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The committee also finds no impediments to his nomination, and unanimously recommends his confirmation.
As for Manglona, Babauta noted his resourcefulness. She said Manglona has expressed confidence that he can run the Indigenous Affairs Office utilizing federal funds rather than local funds.
Sen. Dennis Mendiola also commended Manglona for accepting the job despite the challenges. He echoed Babauta’s comments in support of Manglona’s confirmation.
As for Staffler, Babauta said she has demonstrated her commitment and capacity as the new Labor secretary. She said Staffler took it upon herself to grow and learn.
Babauta said Torres is another highly qualified appointee who has served the federal corrections system. He has the experience, professionalism and integrity needed to move the Department of Corrections forward, Babauta said.
She added that one of the department’s personnel employees told her that they are longing for “true leadership.” Torres fits that description, she said.
On Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios administered the oath of office to Corrections Commissioner Anthony C. Torres; Ross S. Manglona, the resident executive of the Indigenous Affairs Office; and Secretary of Community and Cultural Affairs Mary S. Sablan. Governor Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang extend their congratulations and best wishes to Torres, Manglona and Sablan on the Senate confirmation of their appointments.
