Senators will move forward with judgment

by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - It appears the Legislature is moving forward with another declaratory judgment. This as Resolution 358 was passed unanimously by lawmakers seeking a declaratory judgment with the Supreme Court as to the Legislature's ability through a duly passed law to direct the Guam Election Commission to place a measure on the ballot. GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan says she's glad the Legislature has taken this route.

"Whatever happens in court, we will follow. The commission had deliberated on it and they came up with a really good decision and we're glad its going forth and it's good that it's the hand of the court," she said.

A declaratory action was actually one of the suggestions GEC legal counsel Jeff Cook suggested in his legal opinion issued over Senator Tina Muna Barnes' medicinal marijuana measure where he called action by the legislature "inorganic." according to Senator Tina Muna Barnes' office, a meeting will take place later this week with Speaker Judi Won Pat to determine the next steps such as who will file the request with the court and which attorney will represent the Guam Legislature.