The probe into CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres' expenditures continues to escalate as his executive assistant's attorney, who was subpoenaed, says she is immune because she is an executive aide.

During a press conference Friday, Torres responded to the concerns.

"I never talked to any, just for the record I do not talk to any...those that have been subpoenaed, whether to testify or not testify or what to say or what not to say for this goes with Frances," he said.

This week, Torres answered the question posed at this week's House committee hearing, where his executive assistant Frances Dela Cruz's attorneys say that she is immune from testifying because she is a senior aide.

Another question, why was Ross Garber, his D.C. lawyer, speaking on behalf of Dela Cruz, who has her own counsel?

"I think you should ask him or other attorneys, right? I do not want to speak on behalf of somebody else as well," Torres responded.

KUAM asked the CNMI governor whether Garber represents Torres or the CNMI Office of the Governor. His response: "The CNMI Government and myself and those that, uh yeah, myself and the office of the governor."

It's clear that everyone has the right to legal representation, as both the governor and his chief of staff, former Guam senator, Wil Castro, told media at a briefing Friday morning. However, the question of testimonial immunity hangs in the balance. We asked Castro if he's spoken to Dela Cruz.

"I have not had any conversations with any subordinate member of this administration regarding any legal matters or any matters related to the ethical conduct of these employees," he said. "So the short answer...I think it is a fair one, is no, I have not discussed this matter not just with her but with any employees in question."

KUAM: You just described her as a subordinate member of the cabinet or the administration. The argument that Ross Garber gave was that she was a high senior aide or high official, so do you agree with that classification?

Castro: Sure, in my opinion, I have to assume that if I am the chief of staff, all other employees would be subordinate to the Office of the Governor. I did not mean to character her rank and profile. I think if a member of the cabinet is designated as such, has been appointed and serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority I would have to assume, without having the reference in front of me, the personnel rules and regulations, that that person, may in fact be classified as an executive of the administration."

As reported, the legislative committee is slated to hold their next hearing on Tuesday to question the CNMI governor's executive assistant.