PDP to punish dissidents with ‘indifference’

“Certain officials deliberately violate party rules to stir controversy and seek prominence,” said Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, center, the president of the Popular Democratic Party. “The most powerful response to these individuals is to treat them with indifference.”

By THE STAR STAFF

Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera, the president of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday unveiled the party’s new regulations, which would penalize with firm “indifference” members who create controversy within the party for personal gain.

“The new regulations overhaul the party’s rules of discipline by introducing ‘indifference’ as the primary sanction,” Hernández Rivera said at a press conference. “Certain officials deliberately violate party rules to stir controversy and seek prominence. The most powerful response to these individuals is to treat them with indifference.”

As part of the PDP’s refoundation process, the regulations “redefine our internal organization,” the party leader said. The unveiling of the new rules included key party leaders: Secretary General Manuel Calderón Cerame, Deputy Secretary Priscila Silva Irizarry, Electoral Commissioner Ernesto González Rodríguez, and Aguada Mayor Christian Cortés Feliciano.

“The PDP is evolving, and these regulations are essential for us to win elections and drive the change that our country desperately needs,” Hernández Rivera emphasized while presenting the draft rules and highlighting the major changes.

The new regulations are designed to significantly enhance grassroots participation by increasing the General Assembly’s size to nearly 4,000 delegates -- almost double the current count. In addition, they will consolidate the Program and Regulations Assembly, various internal committees, and the General Council into a new Governing Council of some 500 members, granting the revamped council the authority to approve both the government plan and party regulations.

Hernández Rivera further asserted that the new governing board will be more democratic and engaged than ever before. “We are reducing the board from about 50 members to around 20,” he said. “We have streamlined the sectoral organizations under a sector vice presidency and will allow their representatives to participate in relevant meetings. Most importantly, Popular Party members will finally have the power to vote for the majority of their representatives -- a significant shift from the past.”

The PDP leaders insisted that the process for approving the regulations will be transparent and participatory. Party members will have the opportunity to view the draft regulations and submit their comments and amendments at www.ppdpr.net/reglamento. An Amendments Committee, comprising Silva Irizarry, Alternate Electoral Commissioner Ramón Hernández Espino, Cortés, Vice President Migdalia González and former secretary general Gerardo “Toñito” Cruz, will compile a report on the amendments for consideration by the assembly.

Calderón Cerame, meanwhile, announced the implementation of PAVA-AI, a cutting-edge consultation mechanism utilizing artificial intelligence. The tool is intended to empower PDP members and the public alike to inquire about changes to the new regulations.

“As part of our commitment to modernization in the PDP Refoundation, we are integrating artificial intelligence to enhance our efficiency in serving the community,” the secretary general said.

The PDP plans to present at least three critical amendments for a vote: establishing an age limit for the Popular Youth, defining the inclusion of retirees in the Public Servants Association, and clarifying the election process for the municipal legislators’ representative on the governing board.

The party plans to convene its first virtual Assembly via Zoom on Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. During the meeting, the PDP will present the regulations, address comments and answer questions. The final draft will be published and put to a vote at the Regulations Assembly on Sept. 28 in Coamo, open to the public; however, only delegates will cast votes.

Moreover, a report featuring data from a private survey will be unveiled at the assembly.

“This regulation is a testament to our ability to transform our party, marking a decisive first step toward changing our country,” Hernández Rivera said. “It equips the PDP with a modern, democratic, and representative structure. Refoundation is not just talk; it’s about taking action. Today marks the beginning of a new phase where we align with the times and with the people we are committed to serving.”