Sen. Dennis James Mendiola, right, talks with Senate Vice President Donald Manglona while Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider and Sen. Frank Q. Cruz listen to Sen. Paul A. Manglona during a break from a Senate session.
SENATOR Dennis James Mendiola of Rota said he is advocating for equal representation on the Senate Committees on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, and Judiciary, Government and Law.
On Monday, he resigned as a member of both committees.
In his letter to the EAGI and JGL chair, Sen. Celina R. Babauta of Saipan, Mendiola said he “firmly believes that each district deserves fair and proportional representation to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions made reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of our constituents.”
He noted that the current composition of the EAGI and JGL committees included him, Senate Vice President Donald M. Manglona and Sen. Paul A. Manglona, who are all from Rota, and the committee chair who represents Saipan.
Mendiola said that while this arrangement “is not inherently unjust, I strongly feel that the island of Tinian, as an integral part of our Commonwealth, should also have a dedicated member on these committees.”
By doing so, he said, “we can foster a greater sense of trust, inclusion, and fairness among the three senatorial districts, thereby strengthening the unity and cohesion of our beloved islands.”
He said he firmly believes that by allowing a member of the Tinian delegation to join the two committees, “we can promote a more balanced representation, where all districts have an equal opportunity to contribute to the legislative process.”
“This step will only address the current disparity but also enhance the integrity and credibility of our committees and the decisions made therein,” Mendiola said.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on these committee, and I am grateful for the invaluable experience and knowledge I gained,” Mendiola said.
Babauta said she will send out the appointment letters to Mendiola’s replacements on the committees by the end of this week.
