“The administration acknowledges that the distributable income is $1,995,000. In doing so, it will not be in violation of the Constitution to override the veto,” Senate President Pete P. Reyes told the senators present as he opened the floor for debates on H.B. No. 16-262 that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Ray N. Yumul sponsored.
Fitial vetoed the bill last Friday.
Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, D-Saipan, hopes the House would make the same move when it holds its session.
Sen. Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, responded Yumul told him that their counterparts in the House have sufficient number to carry an override.
The senator said such obligation has to be paid, referring to the insurance claims.
Sen. Joseph M. Mendiola, Covenant-Tinian, on the other hand, reiterated there were consultations with legal counsels of both Houses and the governor acknowledged a surplus of $1.9 million.
After debates, the measure “disapproved H.B. No. 16-262, HD1” was put on the floor for voting, and all the six senators present voted unanimously, with Senator Crisostimo who voted with reservation, to override Fitial’s veto.
