GUAM
Pacific News Center
By Jolene Toves – August 7, 2017
So as long as there is uncertainty on the validity of the statute, it’s supposed to make everyone scared and come to a quick and cheaper settlement. That’s the scam. — Attorney David Lujan
Guam – US Magistrate Judge Joaquin Manibusan has granted Archbishop Anthony Apuron’s objection to a stay that would allow the church to continue with settlement negotiations in the sex abuse lawsuits related to Apuron.
Meanwhile, Attorney David Lujan, who represents a majority of the alleged victims, is calling the objection a scam.
Both parties argued a motion to stay the proceedings. While the motion was denied in regards to Apuron, the motion stands as granted for all other defendants. Apuron’s leagal counsel, Attorney Jaqcue Terlaje is requesting that the District Court address the merits of Apuron’s motion to dismiss, arguing that the court does not have authority over his case and therefore cannot continue to hear his case.
“We are basically challenging the plaintiffs’ rights to pursue the cause of action of a civil TORT against Archbishop Anthony. Basically, the statute of limitations law that was passed by the legislature is unconstitutional,” she pointed out. “So the plaintiff and the Archdiocese of Agana have asked the court to put that in abeyance while they try to mediate their cases and we said no way. You can’t trample on the rights on a one-party litigant and advance the competing interest of the other interests and so the court agreed with me.”
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