PIP legislator warns election bill would weaken oversight, enable inappropriate use of public funds

Puerto Rican Independence Party Rep. Denis Márquez Lebrón

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved a measure on Monday that, according to the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), would open the door for public officials to use government resources to boost their visibility during an election year.

PIP Rep. Denis Márquez Lebrón denounced the bill, arguing that it undermines long‑standing safeguards meant to prevent the use of public funds for political advantage in an election year.

“The electoral ban exists to prevent the use of public funds in electoral campaigns,” Márquez said. “Weakening it opens the door for those who hold elective office to increase their public projection inappropriately by using public resources under their control.”

The controversy centers on House Bill 1121, introduced at the request of the Puerto Rico Mayors Federation and approved by the New Progressive Party majority. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Márquez said the bill would limit the oversight authority of the Office of the Electoral Comptroller by creating exceptions during an election year. He warned that the proposal would allow municipalities and agencies to promote public works, publish official photos, use institutional slogans or branding, and advertise activities or patron saint festivals without review by the electoral comptroller.

The legislator, who is also an attorney, argued that the exceptions appear “tailor‑made for incumbent mayors, the main proponents, for their own benefit.”

Márquez stressed that public resources should not be used to advance partisan interests.

“Public money is not a resource of the party in power to continue its political agendas,” he said.

The Senate is expected to evaluate the measure in the coming days.