Sen. Paul A. Manglona smiles as he delivers his remarks during the 23rd Senate’s sine die session on Jan. 3, 2025.
SENATOR Paul A. Manglona, who was sworn in Thursday to fill the Rota Senate seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, joined the Senate leadership as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Welfare and Programs.
Following the Senate session in which Manglona was seated to represent Rota, Senate President Karl King-Nabors of Tinian issued a memorandum assigning committee chairmanships to the members of the Senate leadership.
Senate Vice President Corina Magofna of Saipan chairs the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Workforce, as well as the Committee on Gaming.
Senate Floor Leader Donald Manglona of Rota chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Government and Law.
Sen. Manny Gregory T. Castro of Saipan chairs the Senate Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication.
Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz of Tinian chairs both the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations, and the Committee on Rules and Procedures. Cruz also serves as Senate legislative secretary.
Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider, also of Tinian, chairs the Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs and the Committee on Federal Relations and Military Affairs.
Sen. Ronnie Calvo of Rota chairs the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Affairs.
With this new Senate leadership in place, Sen. Celina R. Babauta of Saipan remains the lone member of the minority bloc. She told Variety that she is willing to be the “lone voice of logic and reason” for the CNMI.