Héctor Ferrer Santiago, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) spokesperson in Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives, formally asked House Speaker Carlos "Johnny" Méndez to hold public hearings on the Substitute to Senate Bills 1173 and 1183, which would establish a new Planning and Permits Code for Puerto Rico, before the measure is taken up for a vote. The request came in a letter also signed by legislative spokespeople Denis Márquez and Lisie J. Burgos, who agreed on the need for a public discussion process letting communities and interested sectors assess the proposal’s scope.
Ferrer Santiago said it would be improper to move ahead on legislation of this magnitude without giving communities and interested sectors the chance to examine its content and voice concerns. He said the proposal would directly affect the current legal framework in areas including planning, permits, economic development, natural resources and energy. He said the substitute has not been discussed in public hearings in the House, nor before its Senate approval, noting the Senate’s last hearing on the matter was on May 13, 2026, six months earlier, before later Senate amendments were incorporated.
He also questioned that, two days before the deadline to approve measures, access to the content of the amendments the House intends to add has still not been allowed.