Sen. Telo Taitague last week hailed the Legislature’s override of Bill 119-38 as a victory for transparency and public oversight, following a vote by 11 senators to overturn the governor’s veto.
“The override of Bill 119-38 restores a safeguard the people of Guam should never have lost,” Taitague said in a statement. “Today’s action ensures that long-term decisions about our public lands are made in the open, with transparency and oversight. But this protection only works if we remain consistent.”
Taitague thanked the senators who voted to override the veto: Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Legislative Secretary Sabrina Salas, Majority Leader Jesse Lujan, Majority Whip Shelly Calvo, Sens. Vice Borja, Chris Barnett, Sabina Perez, Therese M. Terlaje and Chris Dueñas.
“Your support reinforces the fundamental principle that decisions about our public lands must be transparent, accountable, and made in the community’s best interest,” she said.
The senator emphasized the ongoing challenges of protecting public lands, particularly when competing interests are involved. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring the community understands how land is used, who benefits and whether agreements are made fairly.
Taitague urged residents to remain engaged by calling and writing their senators to advocate for public land protections. “Your collective voice gives strength to those in the Legislature working to keep these issues in the open,” she said.