FORMER Judge Juan T. Lizama filed his candidacy for attorney general on Tuesday afternoon.
Lizama said his work experience can speak for itself, adding: “I can do a lot of work at the AG’s office. I hope the public supports me.”
“It’s inherent in the AG’s responsibility to look into all aspects of issues such as civil rights, employment rights, worker’s rights, and we also have to be in tune with the rulings coming from the U.S. Supreme Court — decisions that could have an impact here in the NMI,” the former judge said.
A member of the second constitutional convention in 1985, Lizama was appointed judge by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio in 1998 and became the first CNMI judge to be retained by voters in 2003.
He retired in 2008 (not 2010 as earlier reported) and continued practicing law.
Lizama received a bachelor of science in community systems and public affairs from the University of Oregon, and a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University. He obtained his juris doctorate from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Oregon.
Asked about AG Edward Eladio Manibusan, who is seeking a third term, Lizama said in most jurisdictions the AG serves two terms only.
“I think it’s due time that we require that our AG should serve two terms only,” Lizama said.
Accompanied by his campaign committee members, former Judge Juan T. Lizama, center, files his candidacy for attorney general on Tuesday afternoon. Also in photo is Commonwealth Election Commission Executive Director Kayla Igitol, left.
