by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - An investigation is still underway at Guam's only seaport over allegations of corruption and impropriety surrounding leave and Workman's Compensation. But while the port's general manager has been cited in the review, she's furious that her name is being dragged through the mud.

Although she was set to return from leave today, GM Mary Torres was notably absent from this afternoon's board of directors meeting. Sitting at the head of the table instead was acting GM Joanne Brown. According to Torres' attorney, Patrick Civille, she was asked by the board to extend her current leave for six additional days so that Brown can resolve matters that Torres has recused herself from hearing.

In a statement, Civille says, "By law those matters can only be addressed by the general manager, and the board asked Mrs. Torres to extend her leave so that these issues can be handled by an acting general manager." Board chairman Dan Tydingco responded by saying, "We're not going to discuss any of the personnel matters and issues that are before us in fairness and interest to all who have been served notices of proposed adverse action with respect Mrs. Torres and Mrs. [Anisia] Terlaje," he stated. "Mrs. Torres had indicated in communication with Director Benito that she's still on leave."

Brown was named acting gm on Monday due to the ongoing investigation. Both Torres and deputy GM Terlaje were named in the investigation. Terlaje has resigned, whereas Torres remains on personal leave.

Tydingco continued, "Everybody is going to have the opportunity under this process, whether it's the six classified personnel that were issued notices of proposed adverse action and everybody else who may have been sited or named within the report to be able to have the opportunity to respond."

Meanwhile it was during today's meeting where the board approved giving Brown the sole and exclusive authority to act as the general manager, while Torres will still remain an employee at the Port on paid leave. "She is a general manager at the Port on leave; the powers again vested presently in accordance with the directive of the board for the general continued operations of the Port and also for all the personnel matters and other issues we're contending with reside with Senator Brown," said Tydincgo.

Attorney Civille meanwhile says Torres is far from being disappointed and hurt by the situation but rather is furious over the situation and having her name dragged through the mud by what's really "unsubstantiated rumors". Civille says Torres has had an excellent work ethic and track record with the board and a valuable, working relationship with various interest groups resulting in getting projects going at the port.

Because she is an unclassified employee and serves at the pleasure of the board, Civille says he expects that Torres will meet with the board upon her return and address "the rumors head on". Brown would not comment on specifics of the investigation, only saying it is underway and still going through the process.