Recent sworn statements ramp up dispute between Negrón Reichard, Domenech
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
The most recent sworn statements released by former Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish) Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard and former DDEC Incentives Office Director Ernesto Zayas García have again intensified scrutiny over La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech Fernández and deepened tensions across the Puerto Rico government.
The documents, submitted last week as part of an ongoing Senate investigation, described instances of interference in administrative processes, conflicts of interest, retaliation against employees, mishandling of files, and actions tied to tax decrees, the lobbying firm Politank, and the proposed Opus Miramar project. The statements have triggered a series of comments and reactions over the past few days. With competing narratives now formally before investigators, the dispute has moved beyond public statements and intra‑party conflict.
Domenech swiftly denied the claims of impropriety, calling the statements “lies,” “half-truths,” and “distortions,” and attributing them to desperation on the part of Negrón Reichard. He argued that his conduct is supported by sworn statements he submitted on June 17 and June 22, along with what he described as extensive documentation from government entities. Domenech called for the matter to be evaluated by the Special Independent Prosecutor Panel (PFEI by its initials in Spanish), not through political debate, and predicted that the investigation would ultimately show that Negrón Reichard engaged in unlawful and unethical behavior.
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón supported Domenech, stating that Negrón Reichard had “finally” placed his allegations under oath but questioning why he did not raise them while leading the DDEC. She emphasized that Domenech also filed sworn accusations and dismissed calls for disciplinary action over administrative violations attributed to Politank, saying that if fines were imposed, “they should be paid.” The controversy further escalated her ongoing clash with Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, whom she accused of using the matter to damage reputations and advance political ambitions.
Rivera Schatz announced that he had sent sworn statements and supporting documents to 11 state and federal officials and agencies. He said the materials contain allegations of potential crimes and ethical violations involving Domenech and others, and affirmed that the Senate will continue its own investigation.
From Washington, Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera urged the governor to dismiss Domenech and those around him, arguing that persistent corruption accusations could harm Puerto Rico’s reputation in federal circles and jeopardize funding efforts, including those related to Medicaid and the island government-sponsored health insurance Vital Plan. He questioned whether La Fortaleza’s reluctance to act reflects an effort to protect certain individuals or interests.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Press Club criticized La Fortaleza’s interference with coverage of stories after Negrón Reichard alleged that Domenech intervened to block publication of a news report. The organization condemned what it described as an attempt at prior restraint and called on the governor to halt such practices.
The Dignity Project (Proyecto Dignidad) political party labeled the allegations “extremely serious” and called for an immediate, independent investigation free from political influence. The party stressed that claims involving undue pressure, disappearance of official records, manipulation of administrative processes, and conflicts of interest -- if proven -- would represent a significant blow to public trust. It reiterated that all individuals retain the presumption of innocence and urged the PFEI, the Justice Department, and other agencies to conduct an objective and expedited inquiry. The party also used the moment to renew its push for reforms aimed at limiting political influence, including banning political donations from individuals or companies seeking or holding government contracts, establishing cooling-off periods around contract awards, creating a public registry of meetings between officials and lobbyists, expanding whistleblower protections, and imposing sanctions on those who use improper influence for personal gain.