MARTIN T. Mendiola of Rota was recently sworn in by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to serve on the Commonwealth Casino Commission.
Mendiola is a former NMC-Rota campus administrator and Commonwealth Ports Authority-Rota resident director.
He will serve the remaining term of former Commissioner Diego M. Songao who resigned in September last year due to health concerns.
Mendiola’s term will end on April 30, 2024.
Mendiola was confirmed by the Senate on Friday, but not with some pushback from minority members.
Minority bloc Sen. Paul A. Manglona of Rota abstained, citing concerns he had regarding the operation of the CCC, specifically regarding the casino commissioners’ pay.
But Manglona said that he did not have any issues with Mendiola’s qualification and desire to help the people of the CNMI if confirmed.
However, Manglona added, the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations should question the source of funding for the casino commissioners’ pay.
Minority bloc Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero, for her part, urged the casino commissioners to put the interests of the people of the Commonwealth first, noting that there are still tax liens and unpaid liabilities owed to the CNMI people, including retirees.
During the public hearing conducted by the Senate EAGI committee on Mendiola’s nomination, he said, “My goal, if confirmed, will be to become true partners with my colleagues to mediate the current situation with the casino and find amicable solutions that will continue to grant opportunities for both parties — our great Commonwealth and the casino license holder — to succeed.”
He added, “Their success will be our success and they will continue to invest in our communities and our children. I know that the casino industry is one of the most highly regulated industries and I am well aware [that] my role, if confirmed as commissioner, will be to ensure that the rules and regulations are being adhered to.”
He said, “I strongly believe in providing objective flexibility to find legal alternatives to support the license holder so they may be able to accomplish their goals and objectives, so that, in turn, we will help us accomplish ours.”
Mendiola also recognized the governor and the Senate leadership for “rescuing” the NMI Retirement Fund “that was on the verge of collapse when it was placed under this leadership.”
“It was also true that their diligence helped establish an action plan that required monies from the license holder to be invested in supporting the municipalities to address their respective issues, as well as directly benefiting the people of the CNMI,” Mendiola said.
He likewise acknowledged District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona for granting a temporary restraining order in favor of Imperial Pacific International, and preventing the CCC from revoking the casino investor’s license while allowing both parties to come to a settlement agreement.
Mendiola also commended the IH Group of South Korea for helping IPI move forward with its plan to reopen and generate revenue.
“We need to be able to allow this partnership to flourish so they may address the many violations [attributed] to them,” he said, referring to IPI.
He commended CCC for ensuring that the license holder is abiding by the rules and regulations. “If the casino industry becomes a success, it will also attract other investors willing and interested in coming to our Commonwealth, and help support our tourism industry.”
He added, “This is also how we can support our government… market the Commonwealth as a family-friendly tourism destination. It is my hope to serve in this body, to address the situation in hand, and I intend to put the interests of the CCC as well as the people of the Commonwealth first.”
Among those who expressed their support for Mendiola’s nomination were Rota mayor Efraim Atalig, former CCC member Justin Manglona, CCC vice chair Rafael S. Demapan, and CCC acting executive director Ian Morrell.
No written or oral testimonies were submitted in opposition to Mendiola’s nomination.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, left, administers the oath of office to Martin T. Mendiola of Rota as member of the Commonwealth Casino Commission.
