KOROR, Palau (AP) – The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Palau dismissed Sriderio Rengulbai’s appeal in a case concerning the traditional title of Ngircheteet of Koror and ruled in favor of Koror House of Traditional Leaders.
Rengulbai had publicly claimed the title, which ranks sixth among the Ngarameketii of Koror, without following traditional vetting and approval procedures mandated by the Koror House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL).
Despite written warnings from HOTL, Rengulbai continued to make public pronouncements as Ngircheteet. HOTL subsequently imposed a $500 fine for his defiance. After Rengulbai refused to pay, HOTL sued him in the Palau Supreme Court.
Rengulbai lost the initial case and was ordered to pay the fine. He appealed the ruling, but on May 8, 2024, Chief Justice Oldiais Ngiraikelau dismissed the appeal without prejudice to Rengulbai’s claim. The court order states that Rengulbai voluntarily withdrew his appeal after considering its merits.
This dismissal results in a judgment in favor of HOTL. The traditional leaders plan to notify Rengulbai of a deadline to pay the $500 fine. Failure to comply could lead to additional penalties and interest.