Babauta, who placed seventh in the 2018 elections as an independent candidate, will serve until January 2021.
Although he will serve for a short period of time only, the military veteran and former Department of Public Safety deputy commissioner said, “My philosophy is guided by [selflessly] serving our community with loyalty, respect, honor, integrity and personal courage….”
He told his fellow House members: “I am willing and ready to work with you all in the coming days. I look forward [to] the challenges and exciting time together.”
Babauta noted that his appointment came as a blessing. It was on his birthday, on Oct. 3, when Speaker Blas Jonathan Attao informed Gov. Ralph DLG Torres of the vacancy in the House, and it was on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, when the governor appointed him.
“This is a privilege and I am honored to serve our community in the decision-making process that we will be doing,” Babauta said. “And I am so proud to be part of the decision-making process. And I hope that [in the] short time that we are together that we are able to work on some bills and to welcome the new leadership in 2021.”
Babauta also thanked Speaker Attao for taking the time to sit down with him prior to the swearing-in ceremony, and for welcoming him to the House.
Babauta likewise thanked the people of Precinct 1 for their vote of confidence in the 2018 elections. He thanked his committee members for their untiring support in the 2018 elections; and his siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends, and his new friends in the 21st House for their presence during Friday’s swearing-in ceremony.
Rep. Franklin R. Babauta, left, is sworn in by Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, right, as Babauta’s wife, Rep.-elect Celina R. Babauta, looks on in the House chamber Friday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
Newly sworn in Rep. Franklin Babauta and his wife, Rep.-elect Celina Babauta, center top, pose for a photo with family members and other supporters in the House chamber on Friday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
Rep. Franklin R. Babauta, third right, first row joins the other members of the 21st House of Representatives in the House chamber on Friday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
To his children — William, Francine, Kolina and Franklin Jr. — and his wife, Rep.-elect Celina Babauta, the newly sworn in lawmaker said, “Thank you so much.”
On behalf of the minority bloc, its leader, Tina Sablan, welcomed Babauta to the 21st Legislature.
“It has been a long time coming and you have been so patient,” she said. “We’d like to thank you for your willingness to serve and your willingness to step up to the plate to ensure that the people of Precinct 1 are fully represented.”
Vice Speaker Lorenzo I. Deleon Guerrero, for his part, said: “We humbly welcome you to the 21st Legislature.”
Rep. Richard Lizama also thanked Rep. Babauta for his military service. “I’ve known you in the military and I watched how you rise, and now you are rising to the Legislature. I welcome you and look forward to [working] with you even if it’s for a short period of time,” Lizama said.
House Floor Leader John Paul Sablan likewise congratulated Rep. Babauta, and greeted him a belated Happy Veterans Day while thanking him for his service.
“I do personally look forward to sharing with you ideas on how we can better the lives of our people in the NMI,” the House floor leader said.
