After various courts challenges are filed

The new governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi assured today that he would accept the decision made by the Senate of Puerto Rico on his incumbency after saying yesterday that he would not submit himself to the legislative process.

‘To reiterate and to make my position abundantly clear, it is very important for me as Governor to have the support of the Legislature. If the Senate decides to vote on my incumbency I will respect the results,’ Pierluisi explained on Twitter.

This reaction came only hours after two lawsuits had been filed asking the Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court to invalidate his oath of office that took place on Friday.

The first of those lawsuits was from Senate President, Thomas Rivera Schatz, who alleged that the decision deprived the Senate of offering consent and counsel on the appointment sent by governor Rosselló for Secretary of State. The Puerto Rico Constitution requires that the Secretary of State has to be affirmed by the Senate and the House. On Friday, the House approve Mr. Pierluisi nomination by a slim margin. The Senate was supposed to vote on Wednesday.

The second one from the Mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz Soto, that want the court to declare Pierluisi as an illegal occupant of the governor’s position and asked Secretary of Justice, Wanda Vázquez to intercede.

This abrupt change could signal that the public and judicial pressure on his legitimacy as governor is increasing that made him express himself on the matter. It could also be hints that Pierluisi and his team has been able to realize some negotiations among legislators to win votes in his favor. Earlier today in a radio interview, senator Miguel Romero said he would vote in favor of his appointment.

Some mayors have asked for dialogue for a smooth transition between Fortaleza and the Senate to resolve this issue and promote stability to the People.

‘I have spoken with my senators and there is space for dialogue. I do believe that the process has to be the one included on the Constitution and I explained my concern to Governor Pierluisi,’ told the mayor of Cataño, Félix ‘El Cano’ Delgado, in a radio interview, establishing that it is posible to reach consent among both parties.