By Bryan Manabat
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Variety News Staff
THE Senate on Friday confirmed Gov. David M. Apatang’s three nominees to fill key positions within the CNMI Judiciary.
Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Chair Francisco Cruz of Tinian recommended approval of the nominations based on the panel’s reports and community support.
The Senate unanimously confirmed Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto Camacho Naraja as associate justice of the Supreme Court; Associate Judge Joseph James Norita Camacho as presiding judge of the Superior Court; and attorney Joey Patrick San Nicolas as associate judge of the Superior Court.
Voting in favor of the confirmations were Senate President Karl King-Nabors, Sens. Donald Mendiola, Ronnie Calvo, Manny Castro, Jude Hofschneider, Paul Manglona, and Cruz.
Senate Vice President Corina Magofna voted yes to Naraja’s confirmation.
Following the vote, Apatang swore in Naraja and Camacho during a ceremony at Guma’ Hustisia in Susupe. San Nicolas is expected to be sworn in in May after concluding his law practice, Variety learned.
Apatang nominated the three following the resignation of Associate Justice Perry Inos in February 2026, which created vacancies within the Judiciary. Naraja’s elevation to the Supreme Court opened the presiding judge position, while Camacho’s appointment created a vacancy for associate judge.
Background on nominees
• Roberto C. Naraja — Associate judge (2001–2003); presiding judge since 2003; former chief public defender and attorney general.
• Joseph N. Camacho — Former prosecutor; private practitioner; elected to the 16th House of Representatives in 2007; appointed to the Superior Court in 2011.
• Joey Patrick San Nicolas — Former attorney general; former Tinian mayor; former MPLT trustee; NMC regent and instructor; longtime attorney in private and public practice.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
