SENATE Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan wants to recuse himself from voting on the articles of impeachment against Gov. Ralph DLG Torres during the Senate impeachment trial.
Sablan is Torres’ running mate in this year’s gubernatorial election.
In a letter to Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider dated March 28, 2022, Sablan said: “I just thought that it would be in the best interest of everyone that I recuse myself from the general vote for the impeachment process during the session which is required by our Constitution of the CNMI, so that was the reason behind the recusal.”
Sablan said he will still, however, be physically present for the proceedings.
“I will be here… as a senator and as an elected official to…listen and just be informed and aware of all the deliberations and all the testimonies that will take place,” he added.
He shared that a Senate vote will either take place this week or next week, depending on the presiding officer.
The Senate is scheduled to hear the governor’s motion at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, April 19, to dismiss the articles of impeachment against him.
The governor was impeached by the House of Representatives on Jan. 12, 2022 by a vote of 15 to 4 with 1 abstention, on allegations of felonies of theft, corruption and neglect of duty. He has denied the charges.
According to the CNMI Constitution, the Senate “may convict after hearing by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of its members.”
At least six of the nine senators must vote to convict in order to remove the governor from office.
Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan poses for a photo in his office at the legislative building.
