He had lunch with some of the senators last week, but Cabrera said he was glad to meet once again with members of the upper house.
Cabrera said he went to Manglona’s office to discuss requests for full-time employees.
He also shared his idea of coming up with a “blanket” resolution that will accommodate all requests for FTEs instead of drafting a resolution for every single FTE request.
He said when he knocked on Manglona’s door, the senators inside immediately invited him to come in.
Cabrera’s predecessor, Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, repeatedly clashed with senators.
Cabrera said he and the senators are confident they can work together as one team.
He said he will visit the senators regularly and if there’s any controversy between both houses, he will discuss it with them.
Cabrera also plans to ask the chairmen and members of each of the nine House committees to see to it that one bill from the Senate and one from the House are always included on the session calendar.
He said he wants to have constant communications with the senators.
He vowed to take a look at Senate bills that remain pending in the House.
Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said the Senate is serious about working together with the House.
He is hopeful that the House, under the leadership of Cabrera, can join the Senate in moving forward key pieces of legislation.
These include a bill that provides incentives to tour operators for bringing more tourists in the CNMI.
This bill, Manglona said, is expected to cushion local tourism from the “death valley” period from April to June when arrivals from Japan are expected to decline significantly due to lack of flights to Saipan.
Both houses, Manglona added, are also working on legislation that addresses Retirement Fund, public health and revenue generation issues.
“We need to work together as we have no other choice. I am hopeful and we are sincere in extending our cooperation,” Manglona said.
