The Office of the Governor is pushing back against what it described as misinformation surrounding the status of recovery funds appropriated following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
In a statement released Friday, the administration clarified that recovery funds remain available for use despite the expiration of Executive Order 2026-01.
According to the governor’s office, Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio issued a formal memorandum Thursday explaining that the expiration of the executive order only ended the emergency declaration and the streamlined procurement procedures authorized during that 30-day period.
The administration said the expiration does not terminate or prohibit the expenditure of appropriated recovery funds.
Under Guam law, the Mayors’ Council of Guam and other government agencies may continue using the appropriated funds, but future procurement activities must follow standard Government of Guam procurement procedures rather than emergency procurement rules.
The memorandum also noted that Guam procurement law independently allows emergency procurement under certain circumstances without a gubernatorial emergency declaration under 5 GCA § 5215(b)(2-6).
“The public should understand that recovery funds remain available for recovery efforts,” the Office of the Governor stated. “The expiration of the Executive Order affects the use of expedited emergency procurement authority tied to the declaration — not the ability of mayors or agencies to continue utilizing appropriated recovery funds.”
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has since returned to Guam and resumed her official duties, according to the administration.
Officials said the administration remains committed to supporting village recovery efforts and ensuring disaster recovery funds are used lawfully and effectively.