Senate evaluates appointments for secretaries of state, justice & labor

Lourdes Gómez Torres, Rosachely Rivera Santana and María del Pilar Vélez Casanova

By The Star Staff

The Puerto Rico Senate’s Innovation, Reform, and Appointments Committee, chaired by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, reviewed on Monday the appointments of Rosachely Rivera Santana as secretary of state, Lourdes Gómez Torres for justice secretary and María del Pilar Vélez Casanova for secretary of labor and human resources.

During the hearings, Rivera Santana emphasized her commitment to the digital modernization of the agency and to strengthening the role of the State Department as an economic and social liaison.

“I intend to develop and innovate this agency and honor Puerto Rico,” she stated, adding that she will “promote efficiency, transparency, and citizen access.”

Gómez Torres, an attorney, said she will lead the Justice Department with integrity and respect for the law.

“I assume this position with a focus always oriented toward strengthening justice,” she said, while also pledging to review procedures and promote the use of technological tools.

Vélez Casanova said her priority will be to protect workers’ rights and foster dialogue between sectors.

“We will promote communication and respect among all sectors of the labor ecosystem,” she said.

The three nominees reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the public policies established by law. The Senate will continue its evaluation to confirm their appointments.