With his May 13 impeachment trial fast approaching, the Northern Marianas Governor Ralph Torres is optimistic that the Senate will eventually acquit him.
"I'm very confident in my counsel. I think he did a great job so I look forward to being acquitted by the Senate. Again, I have every confidence in my counsel's performance," he said.
Torres' lawyer in the impeachment trial is attorney Anthony Aguon. He also represented him during Torres' hearing on the motion to dismiss the Article of Impeachment filed against him by the House of Representatives.
Governor Ralph Torres Photo: CNMI govt
As for whether he would be attending the trial, Torres said he awaits the advice of his counsel.
The May 13 impeachment trial pushed through following a 4-3 Senate vote in favour of dismissing the Article of Impeachment against Torres.
Only seven members were present for the voting as two senators were officially recused from the entire impeachment proceedings.
Because the Senate rule of impeachment required five votes to dismiss the Article of Impeachment, the motion to dismiss was denied and the Senate moved forward with the impeachment trial.
The impeachment hearing will continue day-to-day until its conclusion.
As a result, all legislative and other businesses of the Senate will be suspended until the conclusion of the impeachment trial.