NGERULMUD, Palau – The Senate of the Twelfth Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) adjourned its First Regular Session on February 20, 2025, after reviewing President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s nominees for various government positions. The nominations were referred to the appropriate Senate committees for further deliberation.
Presidential Nominations for Senate Confirmation
President Whipps Jr. put forward several reappointments requiring Senate confirmation:
- S.R. 12-18 – Santy Asanuma for Postmaster General, referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs.
- S.R. 12-19 – Taha Mikati for Palau Ambassador to UNESCO, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and State Matters.
- S.R. 12-20 – Satoru W. Adachi for the Board of Trustees, Social Security Administration, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters.
- S.R. 12-21 – Terence Ruluked for the Board of Trustees, Social Security Administration, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters.
- S.R. 12-22 – Yositaka Adachi for the Board of Trustees, Civil Service Pension Plan and Trust, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters.
The Senate has yet to act on pending Ministry of Finance and Education nominations. Meanwhile, Whipps have yet to put forth a nominee for the Ministry of Justice, saying to give the Senate a chance to process his initial nominations.
The nominations will undergo committee reviews before the Senate makes final confirmation decisions.