Puerto Rico Department of the Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes alleged on Wednesday that former Socioeconomic Development of the Family Administration (ADSEF) administrator Blanca Medina threatened to physically attack her. In an interview with NotiUno 630 AM, Roig said Medina made threats, in her conversation with the Governor’s Secretary (Norma Burgos), of assaulting her physically.
The statements came amid a controversy after Medina, who was dismissed, claimed her differences with Roig began when she refused to sign a $38.5 million contract she said could not be granted with the available funds. Roig maintains Medina’s departure is due to her job performance, saying Medina is taking the easy way out to hide incompetence and inaction that put the PAN benefit for children at risk.
She added Medina had no knowledge of the processes, did not answer the phone, and skipped key meetings. Medina, who led the agency for about six months, told journalist Milly Méndez she came to ADSEF at the governor’s request and was summoned to Roig’s office a day after taking the post. She said Roig told her to sign the contract, which was for Star Academy.
Medina said federal government concerns existed and that the funds were meant for TANF prevention services, not school lag. She said she refused and told Roig in writing she believed the contract was illegal. The Senate will investigate Medina’s allegations, and Roig welcomed the referrals.