The Commonwealth Casino Commission finds itself in the 11th hour of yet another hearing where it looks for solutions to somehow revive IPI’s business on Saipan. But not everyone supports another gamble.

Rep. Marissa Flores said, “I urge you to take it to take decisive action and revoke the license held by IPI. This will protect the best interests of the community.”

Just days before the hearing, IPI CNMI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in NMI District Court. 

They’re expected to be in court Friday morning, where they’ll seek permission to borrow more money from another investor to make payments if a settlement is finalized amid the reorganization.

“We read the provisions of the automatic stay and there are exemptions and we feel that the Commission is eligible for those exemptions to proceed with the revocation. But you are correct that we need to go before bankruptcy court to seek that exemption if the Commission decides to proceed with the revocation,” said CCC Chair Edward Delon Guerrero.

 

IPI said it would be willing to waive the exclusivity of its gaming license and allow other players to enter the game under a settlement.

IPI Director Howyo Chi said, “I'm hoping for peaceful resolution. We're hoping to get it done, but, you know, there's there's only so much I can do at this point.”

Meanwhile, outgoing commissioners whose terms are expiring this month said their farewell during the meeting.

“There is promise for this industry. We just need to combine forces and work together,” said Rota CCC Commissioner Martin Mendiola. 

Ramon Dela Cruz, CCC Commissioner in Tinian added, “The culture of noncompliance is not going to be successful in any jurisdiction. And if IPI is willing to be successful, they have to show good faith effort in addressing a lot of the challenges and issues.”

The commission voted to defer action on updating the revocation deliberation schedule until further notice.

The next CCC regular meeting is set for May 30.