By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026) The Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau has unanimously approved a sweeping education reform bill aimed at strengthening curriculum standards, restoring national testing and reinforcing Palauan language and culture in public schools. In a 15-0 vote on its third and final reading, senators passed Senate Bill […]
Tag: Palau Senate
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Inabo Accuses Senate of Sidestepping Constitution in Cabinet Nomination Dispute
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb 17, 2026)— Senator Rukebai Kikuo Inabo is challenging how the Senate has handled two of President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s key nominees, saying her colleagues have sidestepped the Constitution’s “advice and consent” duty by blocking full Senate votes and mischaracterizing the record in committee reports. Senator Inabo questions Senate leadership […]
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Palau Senate Rejects Key Whipps Appointments, Deepening Executive-Legislative Rift
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — The Senate has again declined to advance three key nominations by President Surangel Whipps Jr., deepening tensions between the executive and legislative branches over Cabinet appointments and confirmation procedures. The Senate took action on the president’s nominees for minister of finance, minister of education and ambassador to the Republic […]
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Senate Oversight Hearing Exposes Deep-Rooted Problems at Koror Jail, Police Force
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau (January 30, 2026)— Chronic overcrowding at the Koror jail, staffing shortages driven by low police pay, security lapses that allow drugs and weapons inside detention facilities, and a growing backlog of criminal cases dominated testimony Tuesday during a Senate oversight hearing of the Ministry of Justice. Attorney General Ernestine […]
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Palau Leaders Clash Over Talks on Third-Country Nationals Agreement
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A leadership meeting convened by President Surangel Whipps Jr. yesterday, January 22, 2026, to discuss Palau’s agreement to accept third-country nationals under a memorandum of understanding with the United States went forward this week without the participation of the Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau and the Council […]
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Palau Senate Moves Swiftly to Block U.S. Deportee Transfers Under MOU
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Jan. 19, 2026) — Palau’s Senate has moved rapidly to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States, approving sweeping amendments to the country’s immigration laws amid concerns over humanitarian impacts, legal safeguards and national preparedness. President Whipps Jr., explaining Palau’s decision to accept third-country nationals […]