THE Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed the appointment of former Commerce Secretary Pete Dela Cruz to represent Rota on the Marianas Public Land Trust board.
Dela Cruz, who has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Sociology from Western New Mexico University, was nominated by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang in January to serve the remainder of the term of former MPLT board member Vianney B. Hocog that will expire on Jan. 9, 2028.
All eight senators present voted for the adoption of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations report recommending Dela Cruz’s confirmation.
The committee’s chair, Sen. Celina R. Babauta, in her report, noted Dela Cruz’s vast experience in government service, which started when the NMI was still under the Trust Territory government.
Babauta said Dela Cruz was also instrumental in forging the economic plans of the newly established Commonwealth.
Dela Cruz served as Commerce secretary in the administration of Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio and on several government boards and commissions.
