Quiles denies he tried to favor governor’s in-laws

Designated Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez on Tuesday denied allegations he tried to bend the law to benefit the governor’s in-laws when he signed an executive order legalizing their home in a protected area of La Parguera, a coastal sector of Lajas.

During a committee meeting, senators questioned Quiles about the executive order he signed, which opponents of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s administration interpret as favoritism toward her in-laws. The controversy has been ongoing since the previous administration regarding a booth they operate in La Parguera. Quiles stated that the administrative order was on his desk when he took office on Jan. 9. He claimed to have spent two hours reviewing the document, which was drafted by agency attorney Samuel Acosta at the request of then-acting Secretary Robert Méndez. Quiles emphasized that he followed the proper procedures and rejected accusations of attempting to protect the governor’s in-laws.

“Some people have tried to suggest that I signed this Administrative Order to favor private individuals, questioning my motives and attacking my integrity, ability, and honesty,” he said. “For the record, this Administrative Order is intended to partially implement Senate Bill No. 1621, which received bipartisan approval. Some senators present even voted in favor of it, and it was approved by the Legislative Assembly before being sent to the former governor for his signature.”