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Saipan’s House of Representatives OKs Casino Bill

Posted on August 26th, 2010

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The island of Saipan, part of the United States Commonwealth of Nothern Marianas, with its population of more or less 63,000 people and its economy mainly reliant on the tourism industry, finally passed a bill making operations of casinos legal in the island. The bill caused quite a stir in the otherwise peaceful, idyllic island, as it caused its House of Representatives, which is usually as peaceful as can be expected of a legislative body governing 63,000 people, to have a heated debate lasting for two hours. Moreover, this controversial bill seemed to have, in effect trumped a decision two years ago by the island’s voters, as they have already rejected the same initiative through a vote in 2008.

House Bill 17-55 House Substitute 1, authored by Speaker Froilan C. Tenorio (Cov-Saipan) was finally passed on a vote that ended as 10 in favor, 6 against and three abstentions. Among the details of Tenorio’s substitute bill is the increase of casino gaming revenue share for the two other islands comprising Northern Marianas, Tinian and Rota. Both islands only got 2.5 percent in the original bill, while the substitute bill raised their share to 25 percent each, with Saipan getting 50 percent or half of the revenues. This move of an increase in the share of the two islands was seen by House minority leader Diego T. Benavente (R-Saipan) as Tenorio trying to sell the casino bill to senators of the two islands by ensuring them that their jurisdictions get a heftier portion of earnings from revenues to be generated by a casino. Benavente later added, in apparent sarcasm that “Even a car salesman won’t go that far,” commenting on Tenorio’s moves. Tenorio answered by saying that he just wants to make sure that his bill does not get bogged down in the Senate, where it will be passed next. He adds by saying that the same effect and benefits will be reaped if more money will be invested on the Commonwealth’s tourism industry instead of investing in casinos.

Not everyone was in disagreement with the speaker’s machinations; After all, he did get the 10 votes needed to approve his bill. One of those in the side of the speaker is Rep. Frank Dela Cruz (R-Saipan), who said the speaker only did what he felt was going to seal the deal and by making sure his bill will get the vote of the senators. Former representative Tina Sablan, meanwhile expressed disgust on the proceedings. She said, “Shame on them,” after Tenorio’s bill got the House’s approval on Capital Hill at around 5 in the afternoon. Befor the debate began, she had asked the members of the House to delay any action on the bill, at least after a report on the measure would already be furnished by the Commerce and Tourism Committee. She encouraged the representatives to vote no on the bill if it were to be acted that afternoon. She is convinced that Saipan should maintain its image as a tropical island with its beauty and peace instead of aiming to be just another gambling haven like Las Vegas or Macau.

It must be noted, though, that shouting matches and flared tempers ensued during the House’s session last week when the Commonwealth’s budget bill was passed. Every representative has something to say with regard to the budget issue. This was not the case in the debate over Tenorio’s bill, where only he and some members spoke, and an amendment by the minority was proposed and was welcomed. The minority succeeded in adding provision which explicitly states that the governor, lawmakers, other government officials and their immediate family are prohibited to have direct financial interest from the operations of any casino built.

But not everybody seems to be appreciative of the increased revenues introduced in the substitute bill of Tenorio, particularly members of the Senate. Pete P. Reyes (R-Saipan) the floor leader of the Senate was in the chambers of the House chamber to observe the proceedings. He divulged to the Saipan Tribune that Tenorio’s approved bill will “get killed in the Senate.” This may be because Reyes had already submitted a resolution that directly opposed Tenorio’s bill – a resolution to oppose building of casinos in Saipan. Reyes’ resolution has already been adopted by the senate.