Puerto Rico House of Representatives members Ramón Torres Cruz, José "Conny" Varela Fernández and Swanny Vargas Laureano filed House Concurrent Resolution 48, which would amend Section 5 of Article IV of the Constitution so that government secretaries, along with secretaries and directors of Executive Branch agencies, can be removed through the impeachment process set out in Section 21 of Article III. If approved by both chambers, the amendment would go to voters in a special referendum on the same day as the 2028 general elections.
The legislators noted that members of the Council of Secretaries run departments that manage large public resources and make decisions affecting citizens’ lives, safety and well-being, yet the Constitution gives the Legislative Assembly no mechanism to initiate their removal; that power rests exclusively with the sitting governor. In written statements, they cited two examples from this year.
In February, after the Justice Department confirmed it received a referral to investigate the then Housing secretary over alleged irregularities at an inspection center, she said she would not resign; her resignation took effect on March 16, 2026. More recently, the Family Department secretary is under investigation over multimillion-dollar contracts with irregular processes, and has not been removed.
Torres Cruz said whoever manages a department’s budget must answer to the country, not just to the appointer. Vargas Laureano noted the Legislature takes part in appointments through advice and consent. Varela Fernández said the measure adds a counterweight without taking power from the governor.