GROUPS of people are expected to gather at the legislative building on Capital Hill before 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, to express support or oppose the impeachment of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
The Democrat-led House of Representatives will vote on House Resolution 22-14 calling for the impeachment of the Republican governor who is accused of corruption, neglect of duty and felonies of theft. He has denied the allegations.
At least 15 of the 20 House members are expected to vote for the adoption of the resolution, making Torres the second CNMI governor to be impeached. The first was Benigno R. Fitial in 2013. He resigned before the Senate could hold a trial.
Once Torres is impeached, the Republican-led Senate will hold a trial. He will be removed from office if at least six of the nine senators vote for his conviction.
Retired teacher Ambrose M. Bennett, a supporter of NMI Democratic Party, said he expects a lot of people to show up and express support for impeaching the governor.
But he said he also expects the governor’s supporters to “mobilize” government employees.
“That, I think, would be inappropriate,” Bennett said, adding that there is federal law that prohibits government employees and officials from circulating nominating petitions while on duty; engaging in political activity while on duty; or distributing campaign literature while on duty, among other things.
Felix Nogis, the president of Refaluwasch for Good Government, said they will be on Capital Hill to support impeachment.
He also expects that the governor’s followers and the Republican Party will mobilize their people.
“But the bottom line is that the people need to ask themselves, ‘Who benefitted from all this illegal spending by the governor?’”
Nogis said lawmakers must follow their conscience when making their decision.
“The evidence is irrefutable,” he said referring to the findings of the Democrat-led House Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee which investigated the governor’s public expenditures.
Another NMI Democratic Party supporter, Fabian Indalecio, said the governor “shall be impeached for committing a serious crime — corruption and the betrayal of the people’s trust.”
Facts
Asked for comment, the governor said:
“I’ve presented the facts and I’ve appealed to the JGO to meet the allegations in a way that is fair and balanced.
“It is now before the full House. It is my hope that each Representative weigh the charges against the proposed sanction. What is before them are differences in policy and priorities that do not warrant impeachment.”
Private citizens stage a demonstration at the Garapan Fishing Base last month calling for the impeachment of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
An anti-impeachment sign circulating on social media urges members of the public to show support for the governor.
