Remengesau told reporters that “I am being charged for basically technical information related to the filing of personal assets under the Code of Ethics law.”
He said these are misdemeanor charges that he will contest and that he has never been advised that the information he has been reporting regarding his properties since 2001 is insufficient or incomplete. He said that he was “surprised and shocked” that a case would be filed.“It is unfortunate that it has come to this. The Code of Ethics is a good law for the Republic of Palau and I fully support its intent and application. However, I do believe that most, if not all, of the elected and appointed officials of the National and State Governments including members of Boards and Commissions and Civil Service do not have a uniform understanding of the extent of the information to be reported. I strongly believe that I am not the only one who may have submitted insufficient or incomplete information since the enactment of the Ethics Law,” he said in a statement.He said a misdemeanor case does not even constitute jail term.“I would think that the right thing to do would have been for the Special Prosecutor, in cooperation with the Ethics Commission, to provide proper instructions through workshops or other forums aimed at educating filers on the exact nature of information to be reported. The Special Prosecutor could than give an opportunity for everyone required to file to review their reports and provide supplemental information to ensure that their reports are complete and accurate. After a reasonable period, those who knowingly and willfully omit information would then be subject to charges under the law”, Senator Remengesau added.“Did I happen to be the only one who filed an incomplete form, am I the only one who messed up according to the SP?”He noted, “one has to ask if this is selective prosecution. I will ask my Attorney to request for copies of other Code of Ethics reports filed, which I am sure will show that my case is not an isolated one”.He added that he has disclosed the properties adding that the country is facing other major challenges to zero in on him.“With all that is going on and the major challenges facing the Republic, I would think that there are better ways to disperse our energy and resources,” he said.He said that issue “is very hard on my family, my relatives, my friends and supporters and I ask for their continued trust and patience. We have not failed in our public duties and responsibilities. This is a personal matter that we will resolve and you can continue to count on me”.
