The CNMI Senate has filed a lawsuit seeking to bar Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas from continuing to serve, arguing that he was automatically disqualified months ago and is unlawfully occupying the post.
The Senate’s complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order, filed Sept. 18 in Superior Court, contend that Macaranas’ reinstatement by Gov. David M. Apatang on March 5, 2026 triggered statutory deadlines requiring submission to the Senate for advice and consent — deadlines the administration missed.
According to the filing, Macaranas’ appointment “automatically terminated” on or about April 4, and he became permanently ineligible for reappointment under the law which states that an appointee “shall not be reappointed for the same position” if the governor fails to submit the appointment within 30 days.
The Senate also argues that Gov. Apatang’s Sept. 14 letter attempting to nullify acting Gov. Karl R. King‑Nabors’ Sept. 11 removal of Macaranas is void, because the Constitution grants an acting governor “the full powers of the office” when the governor and lieutenant governor are physically absent.
The Senate says the ongoing dispute has created uncertainty for DPS operations, public safety, and interbranch governance. It also cites an unresolved March 2 complaint filed with the Civil Service Commission alleging workplace misconduct by Macaranas.
The case has been assigned to Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio and no hearing has been scheduled. The governor has not yet filed a response.
