AGUON: "I HAVE TO WONDER WHERE WERE THESE CONCERNS..."

KUAM: Aguon question church's sudden interest in legislation

Senator Frank Aguon, Jr. is questioning the church's sudden interest in Bill 326. If you recall, the controversial legislation was introduced after several allegations of molestation were made against clergy. Although three public hearings were held, Aguon recently received a Freedom of Information Act request from Attorney John Terlaje who represents the Archdiocese of Agana. CONTINUED

SENATOR AGUON QUESTIONS THE INTENTION OF THE COUNSEL FOR ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF AGANA, A CORPORATION SOLE  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2016

Following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from Attorney John C. Terlaje, Counsel for Roman Catholic Archbishop of Agana, a Corporation Sole, Senator Frank Blas Aguon, Jr. releases the following statement:  

"Bill 326-33 had more public visibility than most legislation in the 33^rd Guam Legislature.  In addition to constant media coverage, my Committee scheduled three public hearings where many, many members of the community attended and provided both oral and written testimony.  The committee report was compiled, circulated amongst its members, reported out of my committee, and the substitute bill presented before the legislative body and unanimously passed.  At no point during this legislative process did the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Agana, a Corporation Sole, voice any concern or objection to the legislative process or the bill.  Attorney John C. Terlaje, who has, on occasion, served as legislative counsel to the 33rd Guam Legislature, is well aware of the legislative process.  While I welcome his FOIA request on behalf of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Agana, a Corporation Sole, I have to wonder where were these concerns during the legislative process,"Senator Aguon said.  "Attorney Terlaje requests for any and all opinions of the legislative counsel (sic) regarding Bill 326-33.  However, the information requested remains confidential under attorney-client privilege- a privilege heavily relied on by any client seeking legal advice.  Why would Attorney Terlaje request such information in his FOIA request?  Additionally, any request for audio, video and visual recordings, including public hearings and legislative sessions should be made with the Sergeant-At-Arms of the legislature and not with my committee.  This request falls short of a subpoena which begs the question, what is the true nature of this request? My office is in the process of compiling any and all information requested in the FOIA and will respond where legally possible.  Just to be clear, once compiled, I will make these documents available to the public."

            

Attached: FOIA Request

For more information, please contact Senator Frank Blas Aguon, Jr. at 475.4861.

TONIGHT'S TV NEWS FEATURING LFM AND SILENT NO MORE!

Posted by Bob

Catholics locked out of seminary...again

Posted: Sep 08, 2016 5:15 PMUpdated: Sep 08, 2016 5:15 PM

By Krystal Paco

"Despite a pre-arranged visit to the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, members of the Laity Forward Movement were locked out...again. According to Lou Klitzkie, she and three others had arranged with delegate of the administrator Father Jeff San Nicolas for today's visit, as well as a guided tour of the library, classrooms, and chapel.

At the gate, however was a notice from acting rector, Monsignor David Quitugua which denied their entry.Read more

Organization "Silent No More" delivers 3,000 signatures to Legislature

Written by  Rebecca Elmore

Guam- A group of lawmakers and an organization called "Silent No More" hand-delivered about 3,000 signatures in support of lifting the statute of limitations on crimes involving child sex abuse. 

                                                                  ***

Senator Blas Jr. stated, "This is the effort from an organization called silent No More and today was just a presentation of all those signatures they gathered in support of an effort of legislation or a law that would allow victims of sexual abuse who are abused when they were children the opportunity to allow them to seek justice for what was done to them.”

Several lawmakers joined in expressing their admiration for the victims and their families for their courage to come forward with their personal story to the community in order to seek healing. Lawmakers say that the Silent No More campaign hopes that the movement will bring about change either with a new law or updated legislation.Read more

3,000 signatures on petition to lift statute of limitations for child sex abuse

Posted: Sep 08, 2016 2:59 PMUpdated: Sep 08, 2016 2:59 PM

By Krystal Paco

Members of the group Silent No More presented their petition to lawmakers on Thursday. According to founder Joseph Santos, the group collected 3,000 signatures in support of lifting the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases, which is mirrored in Bill 326.

The bill was introduced amid allegations of molestation against Archbishop Anthony Apuron, as well as other members of clergy.Read more

Silent No More! CCOG and Laity Forward Movement:

 Semper procedendum sine timore!

SAD TO SAY...

AnonymousJune 17, 2016 at 1:00 PM

Senator, you are doing the right thing! Now, if only Hon up on the hill can do likewise and come forward to help the victims. Thank you Senator Aguon.

On: PDN: SEN. AGUON ADVOCATES TO PROTECT SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS

*****

Back in 2010, some may remember that I was in a vicious public fight with Senator Frank Aguon over the status of pro-life legislation that was languishing in his committee. I was as relentless at hammering on this senator then as I am as relentless at hammering on Apuron now. 

Even after Senator Aguon later publicly apologized for his role in not advancing that legislation, I continued to publicly hammer him, even calling him a LIAR, challenging him to put up or shut up. 

Senator Aguon was able in the end to actually shut ME up - because he PUT up. He reintroduced the bill I had criticized him for holding up, fought against several members of his own party to pass it, and ultimately saw its passage and enactment into law despite the withering criticism of some major pro-abortion Democratic party players, including this one. 

Go here to review the history of Bill 195-32 and Senator Aguon's championing of legislation we should not have had to fight for: a law mandating normal medical care for newborn babies who survive failed abortions and lie writhing on the delivery table. (Before this law, it was legal to kill these born-alive children.)

I state this to show that I am no political party hack. I'll fight for or against anyone based on what they fight for or against, not because of their family name, party, or connections. 

And it is with gratitude that I personally thank Senator Aguon for being the first public figure to PERSONALLY reach out to Apuron's victims and offer to help (not just pray for them). Sad to say, it should have been the new Apostolic Administrator.