By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 20, 2026)— The Palau Senate has approved legislation that would create, for the first time, a broad criminal offense for fraud, giving law enforcement and prosecutors a stronger legal tool to investigate and prosecute scams and deceptive schemes that may not be covered under current law. Senate Bill No. […]
Tag: Palau Senate
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SORA Set for July 22 After Months of Delays
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (July 8, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. will deliver the State of the Republic Address (SORA) on July 22, ending months of scheduling changes, he announced at a press conference Wednesday. “We are looking forward to delivering the SORA on July 22, for there are many important bills […]
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Senate Meets SOI Delegation, Reviews Communications Oversight
By: Laurel Marewibuel (KOROR, Palau) Palau is taking early steps toward strengthening its role in regional and global connectivity following a recent meeting between the Senate Committee on Cybersecurity, Telecommunications and Technology and a visiting delegation from the School of Internet (SOI) Pacific Initiative Planning and Coordinating Team. The visit marks an initial effort to […]
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Senate Rejects Elite Visa Bill After House Adds More Than $8 Million in Budget Riders
Lawmakers call for supplemental budget review, say appropriations deserve separate scrutiny By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — “It is our duty as elected representatives to properly scrutinize and address any budget appropriation, rather than just rubber stamp a bill,” Sen. Seigfried Nakamura said as the Senate voted to reject a House-amended version of the Elite […]
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Palau Senate Rejects Elite Visa Bill Over House Budget Riders
Senators oppose multimillion-dollar amendments tied to the Elite Visa bill, triggering conference committee negotiations. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Ngerulmud, Palau (May 11, 2026) – The Senate unanimously rejected the long-awaited Senate Bill No. 12-41 HD3, which sought to modernize Palau’s elite residency visa program, citing concerns over rider amendments imposed by the House of Delegates […]
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Uherbelau Approved as Palau Envoy to Taiwan in Unanimous Senate Vote
Lawmakers cite public health leadership and international experience By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Senate has unanimously confirmed President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s appointment of Gaafar J. Uherbelau as ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Gaafar Uherbelau, President’s appointee to post of Ambassador to Taiwan, received full confirmation from […]