Two checks totaling $104,960.42 were made out to the American Samoa Government, care of, the ASG Treasurer, not to Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga, in order to reimburse the government for paying Lolo’s medical bills, said Workman’s Compensation Commissioner Violet Richmond, in response to Samoa News queries.

Rumor of the payout has been the subject of calls and emails to Samoa News, citing special treatment by the Workman’s Comp board, in processing the governor’s claim, while many are still awaiting resolution of their cases.

According to Mrs. Richmond, the governor submitted his claim last year upon his return from his trip in which he was away for a long time (close to 6 months) due to an illness. The process started when the Workman’s Comp office received all the confirmation, medical report and verified documents from the doctor. “We don't act on any claim unless we have proof and verified documents on the claim,” she noted.

Asked if there was special treatment given to the governor in processing the claim, Richmond said no. “There are procedures that are in place that we follow, even the governor — he was subpoenaed to come before the Commission. We questioned him, he did not sit up at his office and order us, no he came before the Commission, he swore an oath to tell the truth.

“We had all kinds of questions for him during his hearing, and I told him, ‘I’m sorry, we know you’re the governor but we are doing our duty, and we have to treat him the same like everyone else.’ He understood, and said that he’s glad the Commission is doing its job. It’s the same way we handle every one else.”

Samoa News asked Richmond if there were compensation checks issued for previous governors for medical reasons. She replied, “Just (former Governor the Late AP) Lutali who had a stroke, he received a disability check. The doctors came before the Commissioner, even Lutali, he was in his wheel chair when he was subpoenaed, came before the Commission.” She further explained that Governor Togiola Tulafono, who was medivaced to Honolulu, did not file any workmen’s comp claim.

According to Richmond, Lolo did not have an attorney present when he came before the Commission, but when Lutali was subpoenaed he had an attorney present.

Governor Lolo told Samoa News that his medical bills came up to $300,000+ and his insurance paid $200,000+ while the rest was paid for by the government and that is why he reimbursed the government with the workman’s compensation check. _Lolo further stated that the amount he received included $10,000 to reimburse him for his personal money spent to pay for his medications and other medical supplies.