Senate evaluates executive branch appointments for prosecutors & municipal judges

Nominees for prosecutor posts in the Department of Justice emphasized their commitment to justice, impartiality, the fight against crime, and serving victims.

By The Star Staff

The Senate Innovation, Reform, and Appointments Committee, chaired by Thomas Rivera Schatz, evaluated a dozen executive branch appointments for municipal judges and prosecutors in the Department of Justice on Wednesday.

“Today we heard 10 nominations, three women and seven men,” Rivera Schatz said during the public hearing. “They all spoke about their families. That criterion is fundamental to me.”

The appointments of Sylvia Beatriz Saldaña-Villafañe and Lorraine Acevedo Franqui as municipal judges were evaluated. Both emphasized the importance of character, temperament, and fair judgment to responsibly serve in the positions to which they were nominated.

Also considered were the appointments of José I. Carrasquillo Santana, Carlos J. Ojeda Marini, Andrés A. Pérez Correa and Guillermo A. Figueroa Vázquez as assistant prosecutors. The nominees expressed their commitment to justice, respect for the constitutional rights of defendants, and the representation of victims of crime.

“The responsibility with which this position must be carried out is dual,” Carrasquillo Santana said.

Figueroa Vázquez added that “the role of the prosecutor does not include accumulating personal achievements, but rather serving the people of Puerto Rico.”

Likewise, the nominations of Orlandy Cabrera Valentín, Grace M. Vélez Acevedo, Félix J. Rivera Birriel and Alex López Millán for Assistant Prosecutor I were also considered.

“Being a prosecutor is not easy; you will live with a 50 percent disapproval rating,” Rivera Schatz said.

The nominees highlighted their commitment to justice, impartiality, the fight against crime, and serving victims. The appointments will be addressed at the regular session next Monday.