LIEUTENANT Gov. Arnold I. Palacios was in the middle of his testimony on Tuesday morning regarding CNMI travel regulations when he asked Judge Pro Tem Alberto E. Tolentino for a “short break.”
After the judge granted the lt. governor’s request, Palacios stood up but fell. Responding fire department personnel then transported him to the hospital.
Palacios’s office later issued the following statement:
“This morning, Lieutenant Governor Arnold I. Palacios was taken to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation after he experienced numbness and significant discomfort in his lower back at the Guma Hustisia as he delivered his testimony.
“Lt. Governor Palacios is in good spirits and is resting under continued observation of our highly qualified healthcare professionals and CHCC. While he is still experiencing pain in his lower back, he remains in stable condition and wishes to thank Judge Tempore Alberto E. Tolentino, the CNMI Marshals, court staff, and Emergency Medical Technicians for their quick response.
“The Lt. Governor and his wife Wela thank you for your continued prayers and will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
In a separate statement, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said:
“It was an unfortunate situation today. First Lady Diann and I ask for the CNMI to pray for Lt. Governor Arnold Palacios. We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers for him for a full and speedy recovery.”
The evidentiary hearing in Superior Court was in connection with the case filed by the Office of the Attorney General against Gov. Torres who was accused of violating CNMI travel regulations and not complying with a legislative subpoena.
The governor has pled not guilty to the charges.
AG’s testimony
During the hearing on Tuesday, attorney Vince Torres, one of the governor’s attorneys, called CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan to testify.
The lawyer asked the AG whether he had advised the governor or his office regarding CNMI travel regulations.
Manibusan said he did not give any advice to the governor regarding travel because he was not asked to provide any.
The governor’s attorneys want the AG’s office to withdraw or be disqualified as prosecutor in the case.
They said the “AG is prosecuting [the] governor for an alleged violation in which the AG provided legal advice.”
Many supporters of the governor, including CNMI Republican Party officials, attended the hearing.
Likewise, Saipan Mayor David Apatang, and other supporters of the lt. governor showed up at the hearing.
Palacios is running for governor as an independent candidate with Apatang as his running mate.
Besides the Republican governor who is seeking re-election, Democrat Rep. Tina Sablan is also running for governor.
Commonwealth Health Center
Arnold Palacios
Responding fire department personnel arrive at the judiciary building on Tuesday morning to transport Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios to the hospital.
