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 […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr.
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Ngchesar Inaugurates 12th Government, Sets Priorities on Roads, Housing, Education and Tourism
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Ngchesar State officially inaugurated its 12th government Thursday, with newly elected leaders pledging to focus on infrastructure, housing, education and tourism development for the community. Ngchesar State inaugurates its 12th Government, with new Governor Jackson Doktok, Floor Leader Felicia Watanabe and witnessed by President Whipps Jr. […]
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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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Whipps: Low-Interest ADB Loans Offer Path to Stabilize Palau’s Economy, Reduce Debt
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Palau has a significant opportunity to stabilize its economy and reduce long-term debt through access to low-interest loans from the Asian Development Bank, following his recent visit to ADB headquarters. President Surangel Whipps Jr. meets with ADB President Masato Kanda at ADB Headquarters in […]
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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 Establishes Persecution Review for U.S. Deportees, but Gaps Remain on Status, Authority and Oversight
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, PALAU (January 9, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has issued a new executive directive establishing procedures to assess persecution risks before removing certain foreign nationals from Palau, a move that responds to growing concerns over third-country nationals transferred from the United States — but one that also raises unresolved legal, […]