Legislative Bureau Director Glenna S.P. Reyes, the wife of Republican Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, has defied Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio order last Wednesday to vacate her office.
Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, said her original contract ended on Jan. 11, 2010.
But Mrs. Reyes said she would only leave her office if the Senate concurs with the speaker’s order.
“With all due respect to the former governor [Tenorio], I reported for work because I have an existing contract that obligates me to report to work and perform my duties as required under my contract,” Mrs. Reyes said.
“In my meeting with Senate President Paul A. Manglona, he acknowledged that I have an existing contract and requested that I continue reporting to work. All my contracts bear the signatures of the proper officials and were reviewed and certified as legally sufficient by three different legal counsels, respectively,” she added.
She said her contract as bureau chief was automatically extended until Sept. 30, 2010 and will be automatically renewed thereafter through fiscal year 2011, which starts on Oct. 1, 2010 and ends on Sept. 30, 2011.
“I acknowledge and respect the constitutional joint authority of both the House and the Senate to appoint and remove the director of the Legislative Bureau. I have not, however, received notification from both houses nor has my contract been declared invalid, thus, I will continue to report to work,” she added.
Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said the speaker should honor Mrs. Reyes’ contract.
Tenorio wants former Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua, a Covenant Party member, to be the new LB director.
The speaker said the controversy may affect the Legislature’s work.
“We may win the battle but they could win the war,” he said, referring to the Senate.
According to Tenorio, “it’s obvious” that Senator Reyes, as Senate president in the previous Legislature, used his influence to get his wife the job.
He said he is ready to challenge the validity of Mrs. Reyes’ appointment if it’s necessary.
“In my letter to Mrs. Reyes, I didn’t say that she was fired I just said that she no longer has authority in that office after Jan. 11. This is a constitutional issue. It’s unfortunate that Glenna is challenging this. It’s not good for her,” Tenorio said.
The Department of Finance said it will continue to pay Mrs. Reyes her salary as LB director.
Tenorio said he will discuss the issue with Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham.
