The era of tyranny is over: Democracy prevails in the people’s house

By Christopher Duenas

The 38^th Guam Legislature has spoken. By overriding the Governor’s veto, we ended the chapter of one-party dominance and reaffirmed the principle that this island belongs to its people, not to the whims of one office. The era of tyranny is over: democracy once again prevails in the halls of the Guam Congress Building.

But make no mistake. This victory is not the finish line; it is the starting gun. The override was not about political gamesmanship; it was about accountability. It was about protecting the integrity of this institution and standing up for the voices of our people, who for far too long have been drowned out by the heavy hand of the executive branch.

Now the real work begins. As Budget Chair, I have already made it clear to my colleagues: oversight can no longer be an afterthought. Each oversight chair must begin holding regular hearings with their respective agencies. And each agency, working alongside their oversight chairperson, must prepare to draft its own Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Budgets will no longer be dictated by political rhetoric or favors. This year, funding will be earned based on results, not just plans.

The road ahead will be hard. Our people are tired of scandals, shadows, and the arrogance that has lingered too long over Adelup. That cloud cannot simply be wished away. It must be confronted through the courts, through investigations, and through the hearings this Legislature will hold. Only then, can we restore what has been lost: the public’s trust in their government.

This moment demands more than politics. It demands vision. It demands courage. It demands humility. The people of Guam deserve leaders who put aside personal ambition, who work beyond party lines, and who dedicate themselves fully to the welfare of our island. That is what the Republican majority intends to do.

Moving forward, we must reject the failed mantra of “my way or the highway.” That style of leadership belongs in the past. No leader, whether governor, or legislator, has the right to put ego before the people. Instead, we must humble ourselves, respect the roles of our co-equal branches, and work together with our elected Attorney General, our mayors, our federal partners, and our communities to build a government that truly serves.

The override was a victory for democracy, but it is only the first step. The Republican majority will lead responsibly as we enter the next fiscal year. We will insist that every agency be held to measurable standards, every dollar be justified, and every action be guided by the principle of service over politics. This is how we will transform our government into one that is transparent, accountable, and worthy of the people’s trust.

I believe the future of Guam can be brighter than its past. I believe our island can emerge from this period of turmoil stronger, cleaner, and more united than ever before. And I believe that if we stay committed to accountability, humility, and service, then one day soon we will look back on this override not simply as the end of an era, but as the beginning of a new one.

The era of tyranny is behind us. The era of results, transparency, and service begins now.

Sen. Christopher M. Duenas is the chairman of the Committee on Finance and Government Operations at the 38th Guam Legislature.

Subscribe to

our digital

monthly edition