SENATE President Paul A. Manglona is again extending his hand to Sens. Ramon S. Guerrero and Pete P. Reyes, urging them to reunite with the leadership despite their failed “coup” attempt and allegations of questionable financial dealings that involve some senators.
“I am very surprised that we can’t let go of this which has been going on for a week and a half now,” Manglona, R-Rota, said. “I hope that we can continue to move forward with other pressing issues in the Senate like the budget and public services,” he added.
In extending his invitation to Reyes, R-Saipan, and Guerrero, American Reform-Saipan, Manglona said they will be most welcome to participate in all leadership and committee meetings as well as discussions on legislation.
“All the members (of the leadership) want (Guerrero and Reyes) to join us. We are not saying that they should (keep quiet)—what we are saying is that they should come back for us to be able to work together. I will continue to be fair to be able to get the support of all my members,” Manglona said.
According to the Senate president, “there is too much politics.” He added, “We are an open government and we are all responsible public servants in the expenditure of public funds. If there is something wrong, we can report it to the Office of the Public Auditor, (instead of) coming out in the papers and say they have documents to prove that there is something wrong.”
Reyes earlier said that he had documents proving that some senators were involved in questionable financial dealings.
Last week, Reyes and Guerrero requested OPA to investigate some senators’ alleged mismanagement of public funds.
Guerrero raised similar concerns two years ago.
But Reyes said Manglona was correct in saying that the daughter of Senate Vice President Jose M. Dela Cruz, D-Tinian, is not on his payroll.
OPA will soon come out with the result of the investigation. Sources say OPA is looking into the accounts of five senators.
