Henry Falan
Henry S. Falan is a Micronesian politician and the former Governor of Yap from January 19, 2019, to December 17, 2022.[1] Falan was ousted from his position as governor by the Yap state legislature. Jesse Salalu, his former Lieutenant Governor, took his place as Governor.[1]
Henry S. Falan | |
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7th Governor of Yap | |
In office January 14, 2019 – December 17, 2021 | |
Lieutenant Governor | Jesse Salalu |
Preceded by | Tony Ganngiyan |
Succeeded by | Jesse Salalu |
Impeachment
On September 16, 2021, Falan signed an executive order to close the Yap Attorney General office in response to the legislature not approving the salary of the office due to a budget shortfall.[2] On September 22, the attorney general office was reopened by emergency declaration stating Ifalik island, following salt water flooding destroying the island's main source of food, required assistance.[3] The following day, the state legislature introduced a resolution with seven cosponsors to oust Falan from his position.[3][2]
Henry Falon appeared before the Yap legislature on October 15, for an impeachment hearing. Marstella Jack, an attorney from Pohnpei, represented the Governor during the trial.[3] On October 19, the 10th Yap State Legislature failed to remove Falan from office for misfeasance and malfeasance with a vote of 7–3.[2][4] Article V section 20 of the Yap State Constitution states, 75% or more of the legislature must vote to remove the Governor for the resolution to pass.[5] Theodore Rutun, Nicholas Figirlaarwon, and Joseph B. Tiuchemal voted to keep Falan in office.[2]
During the third legislative session, the legislature reintroduced the proposal to oust the Governor. Tiuchemal voted in favor of impeachment, and the proposal passed on December 16, with a vote of 8–2.[4] Falan was removed from office the following day.
Following his removal from office, a petition was made and spread throughout the Federated States of Micronesia, Hawaii, and Guam to Micronesians calling for the reinstatement of Falon as Governor.[1][4] It amassed over 600 signatures and was delivered to the legislature on January 28, 2022.[4]
References
- Variety, Joyce McClure-For. "Salalu sworn in as Yap's new governor". Marianas Variety News & Views. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- Admin (2021-10-20). "Attempt to oust Yap Gov. Falan fails". pactimes. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- Admin (2021-10-04). "Yap governor summoned to impeachment hearing". pactimes. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- Variety, Joyce McClure-For. "Yap lawmakers remove Governor Falan from office". Marianas Variety News & Views. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
- "Yap Constitution Entire". www.fsmlaw.org. Retrieved 2022-03-03.