Puerto Rico Supreme Court Chief Justice Maite Oronoz defended judicial independence this week, while the governor’s office rejected allegations of pressure on judges and the company LUMA called for an investigation. LUMA asked that allegations of improper pressure on Puerto Rico Supreme Court justices be investigated. LUMA’s president, Janisse Quiñones, said in a press release that, given the gravity of the allegations, they must be investigated thoroughly and it must be clarified, transparently and credibly, whether the described events occurred.
The company described the alleged attempts to influence decisions of Supreme Court justices as worrying, saying Puerto Ricans deserve the truth and the certainty that no person, organization or political interest is above the law. LUMA did not reveal details of the alleged pressure. Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano denied in a press release that Governor Jenniffer González Colón communicated with members of the judiciary to influence the government’s case against LUMA Energy, which seeks to cancel the contract with the private operator of Puerto Rico’s electricity distribution system.
Peña Payano said the governor has not contacted any judge to pressure or influence any decision, calling the claims false and defamatory. Oronoz said no one, regardless of position or power, may interfere in a judicial decision. She said judicial independence is a fundamental guarantee for citizens and an individual, non-waivable responsibility of every judge, and expressed confidence that the Supreme Court justices will continue to rule impartially.