23rd Senate holds final session, outgoing senators bid farewell

01/03/25 - The 23rd Senate held its final session—sine die—and outgoing senators—Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero and Sen. Paul Manglona bid farewell after losing the recent midterm election.

DeLeon Guerrero, who left the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands to run independently, said the CNMI is experiencing a serious financial crisis and needs urgent economic recovery plans. 

“I am hopeful and confident that the incoming 24th Senate will not side idle but will work towards an economic recovery goal,” she added. 

Democrat and senator-elect Manny Castro, a current House lawmaker, garnered 5,178, or 52.89%, of the vote against Deleon Guerrero in the November election. 

Manglona also gave his final remarks after he lost the race against Senator-elect Ronnie M. Calvo. Calvo, a public school teacher, garnered 676 votes while Manglona came in second with 618 votes. 

Manglona said in jest, “I have been sitting in this chair since 1988, so I do not have a speech to say. I do not want to talk anymore.” He thanked Rota voters for their trust to serve over several decades. 

The inauguration for the 24th Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025. 

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Story and video by Thomas Manglona II