THE Legislative Bureau is getting ready for the inauguration of the 24th Legislature on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 on Capital Hill.
Prior to the organizational sessions of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Father James S. Balajadia will celebrate an inaugural Mass at Mount Carmel Cathedral in Chalan Kanoa at 9 a.m. Saturday.
On Monday, the House will hold its inaugural session at 10 a.m. in the House chamber, while the Senate session will start at 11 a.m. in the Senate chamber.
The LB, in a statement to Variety, said members of the public “are encouraged to attend and participate in this historic event.”
The doors of both chambers will open to the public at 8 a.m., with security inspections conducted upon entry.
In the gallery, the seats are limited so priority will be given to invited guests, and the remaining seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking spaces are also limited so members of the public are encouraged to come early or use alternative means of transportation.
For those unable to attend the organizational sessions in person, a live broadcast will be provided via YouTube. Visit House-Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature and Senate-Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature to stream.
In addition, links to the broadcast will be shared on the CNMI Legislature’s official Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) pages.
“The ceremonies will convene elected officials, community leaders, and the general public in celebration of the commencement of the new legislative term, and the shared commitment to uphold the CNMI’s progress and prosperity,” the LB said in a statement.
The House and the Senate will elect their officers, adopt rules and undertake an oath of office.
In the House, Rep. Edmund S. Villagomez will be elected speaker for the third time, Rep. Diego Vincent F. Camacho will be the new vice speaker and Rep. Marissa Flores will be the new floor leader.
In the Senate, Sen. Dennis James C. Mendiola will be the new Senate president, with Sen. Karl King-Nabors as the new vice president, and Sen. Donald M. Manglona as the new floor leader.
