“GOD is not sleeping,” first lady Diann T. Torres said on Wednesday after the Senate acquitted her husband, Governor Ralph DLG Torres, of all charges in the six articles of impeachment that the House of Representatives passed on Jan. 12, 2022.
“Today is a blessing,” Mrs. Torres told supporters who gathered at a canopy outside the legislative building on Wednesday. “We continue to wake up and do the good work that we do. Every day. Day in, day out.”
She added, “I got up this morning thinking, ‘Why?’ And then I thought about campaigns, about change. That was always the word. ‘Change, change, change.’ Well, I think our governor is the change. He is the change that this Marianas needed. Now, those other folks are mad because he’s doing a lot of work. You’ve seen his accomplishments, and today, the truth prevailed. We will continue to move forward with [the governor].”
To the governor’s supporters, Mrs. Torres said, “Each and every one of you here — your presence [and] support — we are all in this together. For the next four years, together we will be stronger. I love you all. Let’s continue making the Marianas a better place to live.”
In his remarks to his supporters, the governor said, “First, I want to thank the Senate for having given this opportunity to hear our side. And I want to thank all of you. You guys have come out and showed your support, your love, your blessings. No one was forced. You guys came out voluntarily. I can’t thank you enough. Because of you guys, and our people, that have shown so much love, we continue to wake up every day to do what is right. Whether it’s a typhoon or a pandemic, I’m always there for the people of the Commonwealth.”
He added, “So, today, again, I just want to thank the senators for giving the time and due diligence [in] conducting this trial. It’s done and we move on to the next [thing]. So, again, to the people of the Commonwealth, I’ve stood beside you guys, for you guys, and I will continue to work for you. Thank you, un dangkulu si yu’us ma’ase, for all of the love and the blessings.”
In an interview, the governor said, “I will continue to do what I need to do to give opportunities for our community, to be there through trials, whether it’s typhoon or pandemic. So, again, thank you. That’s my message to the community for now.”
The governor also commended his legal team led by attorney Anthony Aguon.
“They did an awesome job and I commend all of them for all of the time and effort that they put into this,” the governor said.
The second governor to be impeached in CNMI history, Torres is the first to go through a Senate trial.
He was accused by the House of corruption, neglect of duty and felonies of theft as well as contempt. He has denied the allegations.
In Feb. 2013, following his impeachment, Gov. Benigno R. Fital resigned before the Senate could hold a trial.
First lady Diann T. Torres speaks to supporters at a canopy outside the legislative building Wednesday on Capital Hill after the Senate voted to acquit Gov. Ralph DLG Torres following an impeachment hearing.
