PPD refers Suzanne Roig Fuertes for alleged perjury, questions confirmation process.

PDP Senators Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz and Josian Santiago Rivera.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Senate delegation, led by Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, has referred Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes to the Office of Government Ethics and the Department of Justice over alleged perjury tied to her confirmation process.

At a press conference, Hernández Ortiz and Sen. Josian Santiago Rivera said they requested investigations into possible violations of the Government Ethics Law and the Penal Code, citing alleged false statements in official Senate documents.

According to the lawmakers, Roig Fuertes gave inconsistent answers in the “Personal History of Nominees for the Executive and Judicial Branches,” a required form in the advice and consent process. She reportedly answered “no” to questions about administrative, civil or criminal investigations, as well as any issues that could raise concerns about her appointment.

The senators noted that the document was signed under oath on Jan. 27, 2025, but argue that later public statements contradict those responses.

Roig Fuertes was appointed on Dec. 30, 2024, by then governor-elect Jenniffer González Colón, and her nomination was submitted to the Senate on Jan. 9, 2025.

The controversy intensified after an April 14 television interview in which, according to the legislators, Roig Fuertes acknowledged informing the governor of allegations against her during her vetting process, but not disclosing them during Senate confirmation.

Lawmakers contend that these statements could constitute perjury under Article 269 of the Penal Code, which penalizes knowingly making false statements under oath about essential facts, with a potential penalty of up to three years in prison.

In their referral, the PPD also asked that the case be evaluated under Act 2 of 1988, which governs the appointment of special independent prosecutors, arguing that the matter warrants a formal investigation.

The senators said the issue requires immediate attention and questioned Roig Fuertes’ continued tenure, stressing that the Department of the Family oversees significant public funds and demands strict transparency. Hernández Ortiz also urged the governor to act decisively.