DURING their final session in the 22nd Legislature on Tuesday, Rota Republican Sen. Victor B. Hocog told his colleagues, “I wish you all the best, and especially to whoever the incoming Senate president [will be], and I believe [she] is on my right side,” referring to Democratic Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero.
A former lt. governor and Senate president, Hocog did not seek re-election. His term ends on Monday.
Deleon Guerrero, for her part, will be the most senior Saipan senator in the 23rd Legislature. Based on a long-standing gentleman’s agreement in the Senate, it is Saipan’s turn to hold the presidency.
Deleon Guerrero will be the CNMI’s first female — and Democratic — Senate president.
The incoming new senators are Celina R. Babauta, D-Saipan; Corina L. Magofna, Ind.-Saipan; Donald M. Manglona, Ind.-Rota; and Dennis Mendiola, R-Rota.
The other members are incumbent Sens. Francisco Q. Cruz, R-Tinian; Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian; Karl R. King-Nabors, R-Tinian; and Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota.
“It’s history in the making,” Hocog said, referring to the incoming Senate.
“I know that you [Deleon Guerrero] will have six gentlemen around you, so I hope that they have their passion also to assist you in moving the Senate. The Senate’s business [will move] forward…as a reciprocation of what you have done [for] the 22nd leadership [in which] you have provided also your cooperation and time with us. Thank you for that personally,” Hocog told Deleon Guerrero.
Variety learned that Donald Manglona will be the next Senate vice president while Magofna will be the new floor leader.
Edith Deleon Guerrero
