In an interview yesterday, Torres said he is prepared for anything that may come up once House Local Bill 17-44 is passed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation and gets the nod of the governor.
Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said he is confident that majority of the delegation supports the local casino bill. He also believes that Gov. Benigno R. Fitial will sign it into law once it reaches his desk.
Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, R-Tinian, said H.L.B. 17-44 can be challenged only when it becomes law so it is premature for them to question its constitutionality.
He, however, admitted that they will question its constitutionality.
He recalled that voters on Tinian approved the casino gambling through a popular vote.
Article 21 of the CNMI Constitution prohibits gambling in the Northern Marianas “except as provided by commonwealth law or established through initiative in the commonwealth or in any senatorial district.”
Torres said he has been working on his casino proposal for the last couple of months. Now that he has finally introduced it, all he has to do is focus on public hearings then wait for the right timing to have it passed by the delegation.
He said if the Senate wants to challenge the delegation’s action in the court in a form of certified question, it will become a lawsuit against the House and the governor.
“Everybody is looking for something to enhance the economy. I know that this move will even help Rota and Tinian. The business gross revenue tax will not only benefit Saipan but the entire commonwealth,” he added.
Rota and Tinian have casinos, but both are struggling.
Torres said the two islands’ are just “being protective” of their casinos.
He said holding a referendum on Saipan will require funding which will be another burden to the cash-strapped government.
But in case the court decides in favor of the Senate, he said “we would have no alternative but to ask the people.”
He believes that the people of Saipan will be in favor of a casino this time because of the worsening economy.
He said only a few are against his proposal, while most people who have changed their minds are just calm and silent.
