From left, Commonwealth Casino Commissioner Mario Taitano, Chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero and Vice Chairman Ralph S. Demapan conduct a meeting in the commission’s conference room in Gualo Rai on Thursday.
THE Commonwealth Casino Commission on Thursday decided to seek the assistance of the Office of the Attorney General in requesting the District Court for the NMI to lift the stay in the revocation case against Imperial Pacific International.
Commission Chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero noted that when IPI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2024, the revocation case was automatically stayed. IPI did not even have to file for stay because the bankruptcy law allows for an automatic stay on a legal proceeding. This also means that CCC cannot continue with the revocation hearing, Deleon Guerrero added.
The commissioners likewise noted the lack of quorum after the expiration of the terms of former Commissioners Ramon Dela Cruz and Martin Mendiola on April 30, 2024.
Deleon Guerrero said since he has already recused himself from the revocation hearing due to his advocacy for the regulatory body’s executive director, Andrew Yeom, who filed the petition for revocation of IPI license, the five-seat commission is left with two members only: Ralph Demapan Mario Taitano.
Deleon Guerrero said to revoke IPI’s license, the commission must reach unanimous consent.
On Monday, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios nominated former Commonwealth Ports Authority sea/airport manager Thomas A. Manglona to represent Rota on the casino commission. His appointment requires Senate confirmation.
In an interview after the commission meeting on Thursday, Deleon Guerrero said, “Based on what I’m reading in the newspaper today, IPI is selling its property but not to include the license. It appears that there should be no objection at all to continue the deliberation on revocation. Since IPI is willing to sell everything except the license, CCC should not be barred from continuing its revocation deliberation.”
