It looks like the mother of all storm is about to strike the MOJ once again amid the chaos and controversy that has continued to plagued and placed the ministry in limbo.
According to information, VP and Minister of Justice Uduch S. Senior filed a complaint in Palau Supreme Court on May 2024 on behalf of Roman Yano’s claim against the Ngarametal Association and funds that are being held in escrow by the clerk of courts.
According to reliable sources, when the VP and Minister of Justice was asked about her potential conflict of interest since the Attorney General’s Office also has an ongoing case against the Ngarametal Association, she confidently replied that she will resign from MOJ. AG’s office is under MOJ.
Article VIII, section 2 of the ROP constitution explicitly state that the VP shall be a member of the cabinet holding title to one of the ministries. As we recall, the VP also served as Minister of State but reassigned to MOJ. Continuing to practice law while serving full time as elected official but representing Yano’s personal claim is a violation and breach of the constitution and her fiduciary duty as VP and Minister of Justice.
Somehow, it appears that the VP does not honor her oath of office and thinks the issue of conflict of interest does not apply to her. During her first term as senator, without declaring a conflict of interest, she voted to confirm her brother to be a minister of resources, environment and tourism.
VP Uduch S. Senior has declared to run again for re-election this November 2024.
Concern Citizens