The Citizens to Change Article 12 and those who favor retaining the land alienation rule attended the public hearing.
Both raised their concerns regarding Senate Legislative Initiatives 17-9 and 17-10.
S.L.I. 17-9 seeks to extend the land lease term from 55 years to 99 years and change the definition of Northern Marianas Descent, while S.L.I 17-10 calls for a referendum on whether to repeal or retain Article 12.
Legislative initiatives must be passed by at least three-fourths of the members of each legislative house. They are then placed on the ballot, and voters can either ratify or reject them. They do not need the governor’s approval.
Tinian resident Liana S. Hofschneider said she does not support any of the two initiatives and asked the Senate to withdraw the proposals.
She urged members of the Senate panel not rush such changes to the CNMI Constitution. The people, she said, should be given enough time to educate themselves about Article 12.
The Citizens to Change Article 12 opposed S.L.I 17-9, introduced by Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, Ind.-Saipan, but supported S.L.I 17-10, which was authored by Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota.
“Extending the lease term from 55 to 99 years is essentially stating that we will keep Article 12 in effect but will modify it to a 99-year lease. Is this what we really want or is it time to abolish Article 12?” the group asked.
Former Sen. Maria Frica T. Pangelinan in an interview after the public hearing said S.L.I 17-10 is more consistent with the intent of the Covenant which allows the CNMI people to revisit the land alienation rule 25 years after the termination of the Trusteeship Agreement in 1986.
The people, by now, should be ready and educated to decide on the issue.
“We should not have been exploited then and we know better now,” she added.
Pangelinan said they are also concerned about allowing NMD’s only to vote on Article 12 issues.
She said the fourth generation of local people can no longer be considered NMD based on the blood quantum rule.
So the question is,” how many are left to vote on Article 12 issues?” she asked.
Manglona said they may hold two referendums — one for NMD’s and the other for the rest of the CNMI’s registered voters.
Pangelinan warned that the election results can be challenged in the court.
Manglona said it is important to hold more public hearings on the two initiatives so the people can “guide” the Legislature.
