In light of the Supreme Court decision, In re Certified Question Petition of Torres & Ada, 2020 MP 2, Governor Ralph DLG. Torres and Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios reached out to the CNMI State Board of Education, Public School System (PSS), Legislative leadership and Attorney General Edward E. Manibusan to discuss the slip opinion and its impact on the present and future budgets of PSS and the CNMI government in general.
After exchanging views, all parties involved agreed to work together to ensure that PSS will receive its constitutionally guaranteed budget, while considering the potential economic impact of the loss of tourists due to the coronavirus outbreak in mainland China.
“We had an honest discussion about the opinion, as well as our current financial status in the CNMI,” said Governor Ralph DLG. Torres. “Wednesday’s meeting was productive with much information given and received and viewpoints shared by all sides. I’m very pleased that we all agreed that, going forward, we would work together amicably instead of confrontationally.”
“The meeting was productive with all key stakeholders at the table to discuss plans for PSS,” said BOE Chairwoman Janice A. Tenorio. “On behalf of the Board of Education and PSS, we want to thank the Governor, Lt. Governor, Legislature, and Finance for reaching out and having this meeting, so we can move forward together.”
“The Legislature recognizes the importance of PSS and is willing to work with the BOE and the administration to ensure that PSS receives their constitutionally guaranteed budget,” said Speaker Blas Jonathan “BJ” T. Attao.
