THE CNMI Supreme Court held a hearing at the Manamko’ Center Tuesday as part of the judiciary’s community outreach programs.
Several senior citizens observed the court proceedings.
Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Pro Tem Joseph N. Camacho heard oral arguments regarding a lawsuit filed against an insurance company.
Justice Perry Inos recused himself because he represented one of the litigants when he was still in private practice.
The plaintiffs-appellants are:
Antonia DLG Villagomez, Julia Garrido, and Barbara Villagomez represented by attorney Matthew Holley; and Edward Manibusan represented by attorney Richard Miller.
The defendant-appellee is Marianas Insurance Co. Ltd. or MICO represented by attorney Mark Scoggins.
Two cases
The appeal involves two trial court cases.
In 2002, the plaintiffs got into a car accident with Mr. John who was driving a car owned by Edward Manibusan. The plaintiffs sued Manibusan, and MICO, his car insurer.
In 2010, Manibusan and the other plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement and moved to dismiss the lawsuit. The Superior Court granted the dismissal and approved the settlement, but that order was not signed by the trial court.
In 2020, Manibusan and the other plaintiffs filed a new motion asking the Superior Court to sign the 2010 agreement.
The Superior Court declined and Manibusan and plaintiffs appealed its ruling. The issue presented in the appeal is whether the Superior Court abused its discretion when it denied the plaintiffs’ request.
As for the second case, in 2004, Villagomez and Manibusan sued MICO alleging bad faith and breach of contract, among other claims.
The Superior Court dismissed all claims except breach of contract. Villagomez and Manibusan then filed a motion for reconsideration that was never decided.
MICO filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming the plaintiffs failed to prosecute the lawsuit. The Superior Court agreed with MICO and dismissed the case.
Villagomez and Manibusan appealed the Superior Court’s decision to dismiss the case, arguing that the trial court abused its discretion in dismissing the case.
After the appellate session at the Manamko’ Center on Tuesday, the justices and attorneys answered some questions from the senior citizens regarding the case and the judicial proceedings.
Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Pro Tem Joseph N. Camacho heard oral arguments in a case involving an insurance company at the Manamko’ Center on Tuesday.
Attorney Richard Miller speaks before the appellate court at the Manamko’ Center. Behind him are attorneys Matthew Holley and Mark Scoggins and the senior citizens who observed the proceedings Tuesday.
Attorney Matthew Holley addresses the local Supreme Court justices during Tuesday’s appellate session at the Manamko’ Center.
