Fitial has up to Oct. 6 to sign House Local Bill 17-44 but he told reporters he cannot sign the gambling measure.
“I will veto it because it is unconstitutional,” he said.
Fitial noted that the CNMI Constitution prohibits gambling “except as provided by CNMI law.” He said a CNMI law must be passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Saipan local bill was passed by the island’s lawmakers only.
The governor at the same time said he also wants to know “if there are really [interested casino] investors.”
An administration official who requested anonymity said two investors are waiting for the enactment of the casino bill. Two of the hotel operators here, he added, are also interested in a casino.
“We have no choice but to come up with a commonwealth law that will legalize the casino on Saipan,” the governor said.
The House leadership supports the legalization of casino on Saipan, but senators have been hesitant to pass a bill that many believe will “kill” the struggling casinos on Rota and Tinian. Six of the Senate’s nine members are from the two islands.
Fitial said “encouragement is needed in this time of economic crisis. I encourage them to do the right thing,” he added, referring to the Senate.
In a separate interview, Rep. Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, said he’s done with any casino proposal. “I don’t think that I will make any effort to support any casino bill,” he said.
“It is very bad. It is sad that the governor will veto it,” Tenorio said as he expressed doubt the Senate will approve a Saipan casino bill.
The Senate leadership, Tenorio said, told him a week ago that senators would not consider the measure until the results of a Nov. 4 survey comes out.
The survey will be conducted by Northern Marianas College students.
“I just don’t trust the Senate,” the former governor said.
He said the people did not elect officials who still have to ask the public what to do.
“I was elected and getting paid to make decisions on the people’s behalf,” Tenorio said.
Sen. Ralph DLG. Torres, for his part, said he is glad that Fitial will veto the local casino bill.
Torres, R-Saipan, earlier introduced Senate Bill 17-90 which will let the people decide on the casino issue.
He said it is better to let NMC students conduct a survey. “That is what I’m looking forward to,” he added.
If the result is favorable to the casino proposal, Torres said “we will sit down with the House members and discuss how to address the issue.”
