Governor says her agenda to continue uninterrupted
The Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (PFEI in Spanish) has expanded its investigation into alleged irregularities tied to Puerto Rico’s permitting and economic development apparatus, now formally including La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech Fernández and Deputy Secretary Itza García.
The move adds pressure to the administration of Gov. Jenniffer Aydin González Colón, whose senior staff now faces scrutiny over potential intervention in contracting, tax decrees, and internal disciplinary processes.
González Colón said Friday she will meet with Domenech and García to determine how La Fortaleza will manage the expanded probe without disrupting day‑to‑day operations. She emphasized that the government’s agenda will continue uninterrupted. “This will not distract me from my function nor from fulfilling our service agenda for the people of Puerto Rico,” she said, adding that she expects both officials to cooperate fully with investigators.
The PFEI’s decision stems from an ongoing inquiry into former officials at the Office of Permits Management (OGPe). The initial case stemmed from an internal audit ordered by then–Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard, which identified irregularities in a federally funded competitive process for advertising services. Negrón subsequently dismissed OGPe Director Norberto Almodóvar Vélez and Human Resources Chief Charlene Neuman Rivera.
Negrón later filed a formal complaint with the SIP Office alleging that Domenech and García attempted to halt administrative sanctions and freeze the internal investigation at OGPe. He also claimed Domenech issued instructions from La Fortaleza regarding the approval of tax decrees under Act 60, raising concerns about conflicts of interest due to Domenech’s prior ties to the lobbying firm Politank. Negrón said these pressures contributed to his resignation from the cabinet, citing a lack of autonomy and an environment of coercion.
With the expanded 45‑day jurisdiction, special prosecutors Fabiola Acarón Porrata‑Doria and Ileana Agudo Calderón are now evaluating whether Domenech and García committed criminal or administrative violations, including undue intervention, undue influence, obstruction, or breaches of the Government Ethics Act. Both officials have denied the allegations and insist the process will clear their names.
The controversy widened Friday when Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz accused Domenech of ordering the Department of Justice to cancel the assignments of prosecutors and attorneys working with the Senate. Rivera Schatz characterized the move as retaliation for legislative referrals involving officials at La Fortaleza and said Senate investigations into alleged corruption will continue. He also asked the governor to remove Domenech and García from their positions due to the PFEI’s decision.
Despite the mounting tensions, González Colón reiterated her support for a full and impartial review of all allegations. “All claims must be investigated in their entirety to clarify the facts,” she said, noting that the PFEI exists to evaluate evidence objectively and with due process.
