Organizations from various sectors, led by the Puerto Rico Bar Association (CAAPR), held a press conference denouncing what they called a state "attack" on citizen participation, freedom of expression, access to public information, and access to justice. CAAPR vice president Yanira Reyes said Puerto Rico is experiencing a "limitation of rights" and called for opening, not closing, spaces for justice access, protest, and information.
They criticized Law 56-2025, which amends the Transparency and Expedited Access to Public Information Law and limits access to public records, and Law 82-2026, which requires a bond of at least 10% of a project’s total value for any court stay request—which Reyes said effectively blocks community groups, like those opposing the Esencia project, from defending their rights. Both laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Jenniffer González.
The groups also rejected pending bills: House Bill 1211, which would ban broadcasting of probable-cause arrest hearings (Rule 6) and preliminary hearings, and House Bill 1099, criticized for allegedly protecting confidential sources without consulting press associations. CAAPR president Vivian Godineaux Villaronga said attacks on free expression have increased under the current administration.