Overview:
Palau’s annual State of the Republic Address has a new target date — but whether it will actually happen on July 14 depends on a process that, so far, hasn’t started. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s office says the date has been discussed with Congress. Senate leaders say they’ve received nothing in writing. Here’s where things stand.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
NGERULMUD, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. is expected to deliver the constitutionally required State of the Republic Address on July 14, according to the Office of the President. But as of this week, Senate President Hokkons Baules said he had received no formal communication from the president about that date or any other.
The address, known as the SORA, was originally scheduled for April 23, after Congress approved Joint Resolution 12-17 setting that date. Whipps asked for the postponement following the death of his father, the late Rekemesik Surangel Whipps Sr.
Following the postponement request, Senate President Baules and House Speaker Gibson Kanai issued a joint congressional memorandum stating that the address “has been cancelled until further notice.” The memorandum raised questions about whether congressional leaders had the authority to cancel a resolution approved by the full membership without first holding a floor vote to revoke it.
The Office of the President said July 14 had been discussed with the Olbiil Era Kelulau, Palau’s national legislature. But Baules, in a phone interview, said he remained in the dark.
“We have passed a resolution setting a date for the SORA which was postponed at the president’s request,” Baules said. “To date, I have not received any formal letter of communication from the president regarding a new date for the SORA.”
Another senator, who was not identified by name, added that July 14 — the first day of the regular legislative session — would present a scheduling conflict. “I don’t think the SORA could be delivered on that session day,” the senator said.
During a Senate session Monday, Sen. Basilius cited public pressure over the prolonged delay.
“Members of the public are asking me that the State of the Republic Address must be given in Congress every year — yet it was postponed, and to date, there is still no information on when it will be delivered,” Basilius told fellow senators.
Baules outlined the path forward: the president must send a formal written request to Congress proposing a date, after which the body would pass a new resolution formally inviting him to deliver the address.
Palau’s constitution requires the president to deliver a State of the Republic Address once a year.
