By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
The House special committee on impeachment on Tuesday voted unanimously in favor of a resolution endorsing the impeachment of CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres, who has been charged with corruption, waste of public funds and neglect of duty.
The eight-member panel agreed to transmit Resolution 22-14 to the House floor for action by the full body.
"It is apparent that members of this committee have reached a consensus and agreed to forego further hearings and taking of evidence," said Rep. Tina Sablan, committee member and gubernatorial aspirant.
Sablan said the call for Torres' impeachment was based on an extensive body of evidence, including thousands of records, "that have already been laid out and reviewed.”
Among the allegations lobbed at the governor were related to his more than a hundred air travels, shopping sprees, use of public resources for personal purposes.
"The governor asked for fairness," Sablan said, "He has been afforded a great deal of fairness. He had multiple opportunities to address allegations against him but he refused to answer questions and testify."
Nathan Elliot, one of the two residents who testified before the committee prior to the vote, backed the governor's impeachment.
"When the management of the island is not right, it's time for a change," Elliot said.
More details to follow.
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