THE Senate on Friday confirmed the reappointment of Jesus I. Sablan and Esther A. Yatar to the Commonwealth Election Commission.
Sablan, who has served as the CEC chair since 2018 and a member of its board for the past 15 years, represents Saipan, while Yatar represents Rota.
During a board meeting earlier this month, Sablan, citing personal reasons, said he was not interested in serving another term, and had already notified the governor, through CEC Executive Director Kayla S. Igitol.
But Sablan changed his mind and was renominated by the governor.
He and Yatar will each serve another four-year term on the CEC board.
All senators present for the special hearing on Friday voted in favor of Sablan and Yatar’s reappointments.
Presiding over the session was acting Senate President Justo S. Quitugua.
Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider was excused from the special session.
Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Chairman Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz reported to the full Senate body that the committee recommended the confirmation of both nominees.
This recommendation, he added, was made after assessing their credentials, experiences, testimonies, and goals for CEC and other relevant issues.
Moreover, he said the committee is convinced that both Sablan and Yatar have the qualifications and leadership skills necessary to continue serving as board members of CEC.
The other members of the nine-seat election board are vice chair Doris Ann Aldan-Atalig and Department of Public Safety Lt. Jesus C. Cepeda, both representing Saipan, Lelanie I. Manglona of Rota, and John Diego Attao of Tinian.
Jesus I. Sablan
Esther A. Yatar
