‘We need to be transparent to the community’

02/28/25 (Story by Mark Rabago)  - A member of the Commonwealth Casino Commission wants the embattled regulatory body to be more transparent so that it could avoid some of the controversy it has found itself into lately.

“I think this is very critical that we decide on this. Because that's why we hear so many outcries out in the community. Like for example, I've been reading, I've been hearing in social media that we are a do-nothing CCC. And that we don't deserve whatever that we're going to be paid for what we do. So, I think it's only good that we share this information so that the public will be aware. We have very important dates here that I think the community, the people of the CNMI deserve to know,” said commissioner Thomas A. Manglona during last Wednesday's meeting at the CCC office at Springs Plaza, Gualo Rai.

Manglona, who represents Rota, made the request to acting chair Ralph Demapan, who along with commissioner Mariano Taitano, were the only commissioners present during the February CCC meeting. The fourth member of the CCC that meeting was assistant attorney general Lucy Blanco-Maratita, the CCC’s counsel.

Demapan said since the information is with regards to legal issues about Imperial Pacific (CNMI) LLC it would be best to tackle it during executive session.

“Just for your information, even since the enactment of [the casino law], since back then, people are perhaps equally divided on the issue. But at this point, I think we should go ahead and allow this to be discussed first in executive session. And if there's any information that needs to be offered to the public, we will certainly do that. But at this point, if there are other issues, legal issues, we would like to ask the assistant attorney general to guide us also in that matter,” he said. 

Manglona said as much as possible the CCC should share information, so perhaps the public can have a different sentiment about the regulatory agency, which has been much maligned recently after Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signed an amended budget law essentially giving CCC members backpay worth a total of $250,000.

“I think there's a misconnect and communication is very important. We need to be transparent to the community, to the people of the CNMI. Because maybe that's one of the biggest reasons why we're hearing negative comments and feelings within the community. Maybe because we're lacking information or the public is lacking information. We need to share whatever information that's within the CCC out to the community.”

Taitano agreed with Demapan reserving the discussion on IPI’s legal issues during executive session. 

“At this in of time, there are litigation, there are cases in court that needs to be respected. We will wait for the result. And when that result comes out, then the commission will continue to ensure that due diligence is in accordance. I am so anxious for us to resolve the issue of the revocation hearing. Unfortunately, the court has ordered us not to reschedule it. I want this industry to move forward. And perhaps if we revoke the license, then we may see potential investors to come in and develop themselves in the industry. There is nothing much we can do.”

He added CCC is merely following the governor’s orders and instructions. 

“If there is something to be resolved, then we can move forward. I just hope that the public is patient enough to bear with us in our attempt to make this industry succeed.”

Sen. Babauta doubles down

Meanwhile, Sen. Celina R. Babauta continued to question the backpay given to CCC members. She also roped in the Commonwealth Cannabis Commission for good measure.

“It is a matter of fiscal responsibility and fairness. Currently, the CCC and the Cannabis Commission are the only regulatory bodies receiving annual salaries exceeding $50,000, specifically $65,000 and $55,000 respectively, for meetings that occur only once a month.”

She then criticized the lack of accountability in the current system. “These commissioners are paid a full annual salary regardless of whether they convene a meeting each month. This lack of oversight is unacceptable and preposterous.”

The senator also raised questions about the operational status of the CCC in light of the casino’s closure. 

“The chairman’s assertion in a March 3, 2023, Saipan Tribune article that the CCC remains operational despite the casino’s shutdown is perplexing.  If the casino is closed, how can the commission justify its full operational status?”

Babauta also doubled down on the recent decision to award CCC members approximately $250,000 in backpay, even accusing them of being “ghost employees.” 

“The chairman’s claim that CCC employees are not government employees (Saipan Tribune article of March 3, 2023) raises serious questions about the basis for this back pay. If they are not government employees, on what grounds are they entitled to public funds? If this is not the definition of 'ghost employees' I don’t know what is.  Will the legitimate government employees affected by two years austerity measures across the government and municipalities also receive backpay as well? I hope so!"

She also challenged the CCC’s claim of being an “essential” operation. 

“The chairman’s argument that the CCC is an essential 24/7 operation, even during austerity and typhoons, is questionable,” she said. “While government employees worked under challenging conditions with reduced pay during austerity measures, CCC members received their full salaries. This disparity is unjust and infuriating.”

Babauta then reiterated her commitment to ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in government operations. 

“It is imperative that we re-evaluate the compensation structure of these commissions and ensure that public funds are utilized judiciously,” she said.