REPRESENTATIVE Patrick H. San Nicolas on Friday called for compassion for Tinian patients seeking health services on Saipan.
In his remarks during the miscellaneous portion of Friday’s House session, San Nicolas urged unity, compassion, and strict adherence to Public Law 22-33 in addressing the needs of medically displaced Tinian residents who must temporarily relocate to Saipan for essential health services such as dialysis and cancer treatment.
Signed into law by then-Gov. Arnold I. Palacios three weeks after his inauguration in January 2023, P.L. 22-33—the Health Network Program—mandates the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. to “assist eligible CNMI patients to access healthcare that is not available on patients’ respective home islands.”
San Nicolas acknowledged that CHCC faces significant financial and operational challenges, but stressed that P.L. 22-33 clearly assigns CHCC the responsibility to assist eligible patients who cannot receive necessary care on their home island.
“Our people do not leave Tinian by choice—they leave because their life and health depend on it. The law is unambiguous: CHCC is responsible for ensuring they can access care, and when funding falls short, CHCC must request supplemental appropriations from the Governor and the Legislature,” San Nicolas said.
CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther Muna, in response to a request for a comment, issued this to the Variety:
“In response to the recent letter made by the mayor and the congressman, I would like to acknowledge their valuable points. However, there are some important aspects that were overlooked. We will respectfully address these in our forthcoming letter to the mayor and the delegation.”
CHCC, in a letter to Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan on Dec. 1, 2025, stated that long-term housing for displaced patients falls outside its responsibilities.
He acknowledged CHCC’s stance, but San Nicolas noted that no statute places the responsibility or funding burden on the Municipality of Tinian.
“The Mayor of Tinian has always stepped up to coordinate and support our patients,” San Nicolas said. “But coordination is not the same as assuming legal and financial obligations that Public Law 22-33 assigns to CHCC. Municipalities were never intended to shoulder this cost,” he said.
He also reminded the public that the Legislature acted promptly when CHCC requested assistance. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed legislation reclassifying CHCC from a government ratepayer to a commercial ratepayer to reduce its recurring utility burden—an action taken directly in response to CHCC’s request for relief.
“When CHCC asked the Legislature for help, we responded decisively and cooperatively. Now, we are asking CHCC to show that same understanding and compassion toward Tinian’s displaced patients. The cost to CHCC is modest—but the impact on these families is profound,” San Nicolas said.
He reiterated that he supports CHCC’s mission and appreciates its partnership, but urged all parties to uphold their legal responsibilities.
“This is not about blame—it is about clarity, fairness, and ensuring that every agency fulfills the duties the law assigns them. Most importantly, it is about treating our medically displaced residents with dignity during their most vulnerable moments,” he said.
San Nicolas reaffirmed his commitment to work collaboratively with CHCC, the Office of the Governor, and the Legislature to ensure that medically displaced Tinian residents receive the support they are entitled to under the law.
CHCC CEO Muna also expressed appreciation to the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation for its support, adding that “we will continue to support the people of Tinian within our mission.”
