By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
FORMER Gov. Ralph DLG Torres closed 2025 under the shadow of criminal charges while pursuing a political comeback, as prosecutors indicated that his misconduct case may be resolved without going to trial.
Torres was charged in 2022 with misconduct in public office, theft of government funds through premium-class airline travel, and contempt of the Legislature for failing to comply with a subpoena. The allegations stem from his use of government funds to pay for first-class travel and his refusal to appear before lawmakers investigating executive spending.
Delays and disputes
The case has been marked by delays and disputes over prosecutorial conflicts. In August 2025, the CNMI Supreme Court remanded the matter to Superior Court, affirming the disqualification of two prosecutors but reversing the removal of the entire Office of the Attorney General. Assistant Attorney General David Karch later entered his appearance for the government.
Karch told reporters in December that the OAG is pursuing a “non-trial disposition” in Torres’s case. “Negotiations for a non-trial disposition are moving forward,” he said. “It’s going well, but we are not there yet.” Such a resolution could involve a plea agreement or settlement that avoids a full jury trial, though details remain under negotiation.
Not guilty plea
Torres has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team contends that the filings are constitutionally defective and do not establish unlawful conduct under CNMI statutes.
Despite the pending case, Torres announced his bid for the Republican Party nomination in the 2026 election cycle. His candidacy has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters framing him as a seasoned leader and critics questioning whether a candidate under indictment should seek office.
Legal outcome could shape political prospects
Observers say the outcome — whether through trial or non-trial resolution — will weigh heavily on Torres’s political prospects. A conviction could bar him from holding office, while a negotiated settlement might allow him to continue his campaign.
As 2025 ended, Torres’s case remained one of the most closely watched legal and political stories in the Commonwealth, highlighting both the challenges of enforcing accountability in public office and the persistence of political ambition in the CNMI.
Besides Torres, his running mate in the 2022 election, former Sen. Vinnie Sablan has also announced his gubernatorial candidacy.
Also throwing his hat in the ring is Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Sablan, whose running mate is Speaker Edmund T. Villagomez.
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.
