Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, said the former lt. governor’s case should remind every elected public official, including appointees, that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they are.
“As elected officials, we should be mindful of our duties and responsibilities. This case tells us to be accountable for our actions,” he told the Variety in an interview yesterday.
On Friday, a federal jury found Villagomez, his sister Joaquina, and her husband, former Commerce Secretary James Santos, guilty of wire fraud, conspiracy to cheat the U.S. government and theft of federal funds.
The three will be sentenced on July 28.
Villagomez served as the vice speaker during the 14th Legislature.
Deleon Guerrero said Villagomez’s case is an unfortunate incident that should be taken seriously.
He added that it also highlights the importance of respecting the judicial process.
“The judicial process has taken its course. To me, we were correct in not supporting the proposed impeachment [of Villagomez],” he told the Variety.
