THE existence of the Commonwealth Casino Commission is necessary as long as there is still a valid casino license, CCC Chairman Edward C. Deleon Guerrero said.
In his letter to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Deleon Guerrero said, “Although the casino gaming operations remain closed, it is imperative that the commission continues to enforce our gaming laws and regulations.”
He said the commission’s responsibilities include, but not limited to, working with the Office of the Attorney General for litigation matters in both the CNMI and the District Court for the NMI; monitoring the ongoing receivership cases involving Imperial Pacific International to safeguard against illegal movement or usage of gaming assets; working with the Department of Public Works for all IPI construction and building safety matters; working with U.S. and CNMI Labor for IPI labor matters; tracking the legitimacy and accuracy of tax and other financial reporting matters to the relevant authorities; monitoring various stock sale transactions occurring at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; serving foreign and domestic audiences that include potential investors by providing a formal communications window for all new casino license-related inquiries; possible revocation of the existing exclusive casino license; providing assistance to the Legislature on impending changes to gaming laws; business opportunity consultations; complaints and whistleblower claims for all concerned citizens and entities.
Deleon Guerrero said it is the commissioners’ belief that the casino gaming industry has a significant role in helping improve and diversify the economy. At present, he added, the commission is the only CNMI government entity that has the statutory authority to revoke the current exclusive casino license.
Furthermore, he said, the commission is also the entity authorized by law to issue a new casino license should the existing one be revoked. Thus, “it is essential to make sure that the commission is funded and remains in existence,” Deleon Guerrero said.
His letter was sent to the governor in light of the fiscal year 2025 budget process, for which the commission submitted a request for $4.2 million.
Since 2023, the commission has been operating with no staff and no budget.
The commission is supposed to be funded by the annual $3.15 million regulatory fee that the lone exclusive casino licensee, Imperial Pacific International, has failed to pay since 2020.
By the end of the month, the terms of two casino commissioners — Martin Mendiola of Rota and Ramon Dela Cruz of Tinian — will expire.
