The Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas says he will not resign despite conceding earlier that the House of Representatives has the numbers to impeach him.
Ralph Torres said the issues brought up by the House of Representatives Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee against him is different compared to the case against former governor Benigno Fitial in 2013.
CNMI Governor Ralp DLG Torres. Photo: Office of the Governor of CNMI
Fitial was the first CNMI governor to be impeached by the House when 16 representatives voted for his impeachment eight years ago. Fitial, however, resigned before the Senate could start the trial.
Mr Torres said the the House of Representatives Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee House Committee investigating his expenditures of public funds and travels should be composed of representatives who are fair and have no political agenda.
Former CNMI governor Benigno Fitial Photo: RNZ Mark Rabago
"Committee members should look at the facts, and accept the facts," he said.
The House Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee Chair Celina Babauta introduced on Monday House Resolution 22-14 impeaching Torres for alleged commission of felonies, corruption, and neglect of duty in violation of Article 3, Section 19 of the CNMI Constitution.
As of Wednesday, there were 13 representatives who had already signed the impeachment resolution.
Mr Torres will be impeached if at least 14 House representatives vote to adopt the resolution. Once the governor is impeached by the House, the nine-member Senate will then hold a trial.
If six senators vote for his conviction, Ralph Torres will be removed from office.
