Senate committee holds public hearing on Rosemond B. Santos‑Sword’s nomination to CUC board; no confirmation vote held

The Senate standing committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing March 11 on Governor Arnold Palacios and Lieutenant Governor David M. Apatang’s nomination of Rosemond B. Santos‑Sword to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation board of directors to represent Saipan.

The hearing, chaired by Senator Francisco Q. Cruz, included remarks from the nominee, written testimony from CUC officials, and several public speakers who urged the committee to confirm her. No confirmation vote was taken; the committee said written and oral testimonies would be included in its recommendation to the full Senate.

Rosemond B. Santos‑Sword, introduced to the committee by John Paul Regis, acting special assistant for administration, said she did not expect the appointment but accepted it as a service. “When the governor had called me to serve in this capacity, I was actually quite surprised,” she told the committee, and said she had “prayed over it” before accepting the challenge. Santos‑Sword described the role as difficult and said she hoped to be of service to the Commonwealth.

Mayor Ramon Camacho of the Municipality of Saipan, several elected officials and community members urged confirmation. “I strongly support the nominee,” Mayor Camacho said, citing her legal background and community ties. John Paul C. Sablan (congressman) and other speakers delivered oral support, and the CUC chief financial officer Bettina G. Turlahi submitted a written letter dated March 11, 2025, endorsing the nominee and highlighting her professional record.

CUC’s executive director (identified at the hearing as Watson) welcomed Santos‑Sword and said the utility looks forward to working with her “so that we can improve our power situation and get renewables on all three islands.” Committee members praised recent operational communications from CUC but also emphasized ongoing challenges, including high electric rates, equipment failures and the need to increase the utility’s renewable energy share to meet statutory targets.

Members of the committee asked the nominee to work closely with the CUC board and management if confirmed. Senator Manny T. Castro and other senators specifically pressed for progress on projects tied to the CNMI Renewable Energy Act and for the board to support efforts that advance compliance with renewable-energy percentage targets.

Public commenters recommended a full financial audit and closer oversight of CUC finances. One commenter suggested that a desk and financial audit be undertaken; the committee did not direct an audit at the hearing, but the request was entered into the record and will be part of the written testimonies forwarded with the committee’s report.

The committee recorded four additional written statements in support of the nominee (Congressman John Paul P. Sablan; Miranda V. Manglona, CUC board member; Bettina G. Turlahi, CUC chief financial officer; and David Deoge Atalek) and said no written opposition had been received as of the hearing. The committee adopted its agenda at the start of the meeting and later adjourned subject to the chair’s call; neither procedural motion concerned the nominee’s confirmation. The committee will include the oral and written records in its recommendation to the full Senate, which will consider confirmation at a later date.

The hearing lasted approximately 39 minutes and focused solely on the nomination; no final confirmation or referral vote was recorded during the session.