CNMI Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios testified at a committee meeting as legislators probe alleged misuse of funds and corruption by Gov. Ralph Torres. He described the circumstances as a "dark cloud" that will linger until Torres speaks for himself.

"I never thought that when I took the oath of office as the lieutenant governor that I would find myself in this position, having to respond to a subpoena to appear before this committee." Palacios said.

The lieutenant governor chose to testify without counsel in the months-long probe by legislators into Torres's alleged misuse of funds and corruption.

"The matters before this committee are public matters not private matters and all we seek is the truth from you," Rep. Celina Babauta said.

The committee is probing into the spending, reimbursements, first-class travel, and use of security detail by Torres and First Lady Diann Torres. They've questioned police officers and personnel in recent months who've often said they do not "recall" events outlined by the committee based on documents that paint a clearer picture - one that Palacios recalls.

Rep. Tina Sablan: When you did become aware that he was traveling first class at government expense you did raise the issue?

Palacios: I did raise that a couple of times.

Sablan: Do you remember when?

Palacios: Like I said, early on in our tenure.

Rep. Donald Manglona: The records show Gov. Torres claimed reimbursement for a car battery for a personal vehicle that was shortly sold thereafter to a private citizen. Would you consider this to be a legitimate public-purpose expense?

Palacios: No.

Under the same branch of government, it's as if Torres and Palacios served in different administrations.

Babauta: Do you get the same treatment as Gov. Torres by DPS Commissioner Robert Guerrero wherein the DPS commissioner will meet the governor on the tarmac as soon as he steps off a plane and escorts him out a chain-linked fence without even having to go through the secured area to clear customs and quarantine? Did you get the same treatment as Gov. Torres by DPS Commissioner Robert Guerrero?

Palacios: No I don't. And I refuse. Someone made me that recommendation early on in our tenure and I said no.

Sablan: The records reviewed also show that Gov. Torres utilized DPS boating safety resources, including search and rescue boats, multiple boating safety officers, thousands of gallons of government-funded fuel on more than 85 boating trips totaling hundreds of hours between March 2017 and July 2020. These include trips to Rota, Tinian, Guam, Managaha, Goat Island, and the Northern Islands. Many of the vessel usage reports indicate no particular destination but we do know from the testimonies we've heard so far that some of the governor's boating trips were for recreational fishing in open water. Some of the trips appear to be sunset cruises or happy hour trips to Managaha with the first lady and other individuals. In your view, Lt. Gov., are these improper uses of government resources?

Palacios: On the face of it, yes.

In a press briefing last week, Torres told KUAM that there is still confidence between the two under his administration.