More than 50 congregates displayed placards expressing their dismay with the government shutdown.
Rep. Joseph M. Palacios, R-Saipan and a former Aging Office director, told them that they could talk directly to the other House members during the session.
The manamko’ later learned, however, that the session had been cancelled.
Rose Mondala, the Aging Office director, then told the congregates: “Our center is closed tomorrow.”
“I am so concerned about the homebound,” she told Variety.
Rep. Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota, said the Aging Center should have been exempted from the shutdown because its budget comes from a federal program.
“It is inappropriate not to exempt them,” she said.
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Melvin Faisao on Wednesday said the inclusion of the Aging Center on the list of nonessential services was “unintended.”
But yesterday, the governor’s office instructed the Aging Office to shut down the center until the enactment of a new budget.
Mondala said they also plan to seek the Senate’s help.
“If I only have money I would like to bring the congregates from Tinian and Rota to join us here,” she said.
“The government is killing us slowly,” said Mila Garin, one of the senior citizens.
Their placards bore such messages as “We want Friday for Manamko’,” “Five days a week, make Manamko’ feel great,” “Be considerate, spare the Manamko’,” and “Please help us, no shut down.”
Khale Quezanan, another senior citizen, said the CNMI government should explain where it spent the money for the center.
“I don’t understand what’s going on. Where’s the money? Where did it go?” she asked.
Remy Bowie said the decision of the CNMI government was “very disappointing.”
“We made a lot of sacrifices in coming here to voice our concerns but nothing happened,” Teresita Sorroza said.
Representative Santos said her heart “bleeds” because the budget bill was being treated like a pingpong ball.
“The lack of budget would severely impact thousands of government employees and their families and no one could imagine what happens next,” she said.
She said if she had her own way, “I would have passed a budget that is not balanced than go down in history for failing to compromise and failing to avert a government shutdown.”
