The Northern Marianas' Finance Secretary has decided to withhold a pay hike for top government officials.
The governor of the Northern Marianas, Ralph Torres. Photo: CNMI Republican Facebook
The increases, legalised in January this year, include an 80 percent salary hike for the governor, lieutenant governor and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Larissa Larson said she would not effectuate the pay rise until the Supreme Court ruled such increases to be constitutional.
Ms Larson agreed with an injunction that precluded the Department of Finance from issuing, authorising, or approving any hike in government salaries.
The Attorney General Edward Manibusan has filed a civil case against the secretary, challenging the constitutionality of the increase.
Other public servants get a five percent hike.
