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Esta página no está disponible en español. Misla Wants PDP To Stop Using His Photo…Dominican Community Ready To Vote…Rossello Must Waive Right Before Taping Treasury Proceedings…NPP Seeks Expansion Of Investigation Against Acevedo, He Will Not Return $10k Donation
Misla Looks To Impede PDP Use Of His Photo In Campaigns May 12, 2004 SAN JUAN (AP) — Convicted former representative Edison Misla Aldarondo filled a motion to impede the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) from using his likeness in any political propaganda. Misla Aldarondo, former House Speaker sentenced to five years and eleven month in a Federal Prison for Government Corruption and 10 years at the state level for committing lascivious acts with his step daughter, filled the interdiction order via his attorney Laura Maldonado at San Juan’s Superior Court, stated family members. The PDP has used his likeness in card deck and calendar that details corruption scandals from the last administration. Misla’s son, Yamil Misla, stated that that the PDP’s propaganda was marring the judicial process he father still faces for additional corruption and rape charges. The youth accused PDP gubernatorial candidate Anibal Acevedo Vila of "speaking about anti-crime projects while violating the rights of the accused." "One cannot reach the Governor’s seat by claiming that corruption is only prevalent in one party," he added. "This type of political propaganda has tainted possible jurors attempting to take away presumed innocence rights guaranteed by the Constitution, we will not allow that," said Misla. Dominican Community In PR Is Ready To Vote May 11, 2004 SAN JUAN (AP) — Even though estimates of the size of the Dominican community in Puerto Rico exceed 200,000, only 4,596 Dominicans have registered to vote here on Sunday in the Dominican Republic’s presidential elections. Nircy Vazquez, island coordinator for Dominican Republic Permanent Elections Board, stated that voter will be able to cast their votes at Sacred Heart University in Santurce, Club Veganos in Barrio Obrero, and Pedrin Zorilla Coliseum in Hato Rey. "The precincts will open from 6:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening on Sunday," stated Vazquez in a press conference. When the precincts close the urns containing the votes will be transferred to the San Juan Hotel, were they will be prepared for shipment to the Dominican Republic. Votes will not be tallied in Puerto Rico. For the first time in the history of the Dominican Republic citizens living in some foreign cities will be able to cast votes in the presidential elections. The Dominican Republics Central Elections Committee stated that of the one million Dominicans residing outside of the island, about 52,440 have registered to cast absentee ballots. The Elections Board has established precincts in New York, New Jersey, Miami, Boston, Lawrence (USA), Puerto Rico, Montreal, Madrid, Barcelona, and Caracas. Among the candidates bidding for the presidency are incumbent Hipolito Mejia, former president Leonel Fernandez, who appears to be the favorite, and Eduardo Estrella. Rossello Must Waive Right Before Taping Investigation By Melissa B. Gonzalez Valentin of WOW News May 11, 2004 Treasury Secretary Juan Flores Galarza announced on Tuesday that taxpayers who are under department investigation may request the agency to tape the proceedings only if he or she first agrees to waive his or her right of confidentiality protected by the Tax Payers’ Bill of Rights. Flores Galarza made the statement in reaction to the demands of New Progressive Party (NPP) gubernatorial candidate Pedro Rossello, who is being investigated by the department after the opposition raised doubts about his income tax reports filed while he was temporarily living on the U.S. mainland. The agency chief said a taxpayer must first release Treasury officials from any responsibility in order to have the proceedings taped. "It is very difficult for the Treasury Department to ensure their rights while agreeing to tape investigative sessions. Once those tapes leave the agency, the Treasury Department cannot ensure the taxpayer’s rights," Flores Galarza said. Flores Galarza said the only hearings that may be taped are those of a quasi-judicial nature in which a taxpayer appeals an administrative decision resulting from a Treasury investigation. Rossello has also demanded that the department investigate Gov. Sila Calderon and her husband, former Economic Development & Commerce Secretary Ramon Cantero Frau for tax irregularities. He also requested investigation on Popular Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Anibal Acevedo Vila and his wife. However, Flores Galarza reiterated that he cannot say whether there is a determination to investigate any taxpayer because he would be violating the right of confidentiality. Flores Galarza added that the department’s duties are separate from political issues and that the agency’s job is to make sure that taxpayers comply with the Internal Revenue Code of Puerto Rico. NPP Asks To Expand Investigation Against Acevedo May 7, 2004 SAN JUAN (AP) — The Election Commissioner for the New Progressive Party (NPP), Thomas Rivera Schatz, announced on Friday that he will ask that several government agencies expand their investigations about the allegations that the Popular Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Anibal Acevedo Vila received excess donations in violation of the Electoral Law. Rivera’s action responds to the allegation that a second donation of $10,000, made by the former pre-candidate for mayor of San Juan, Richard Machado was deposited in an account in the name of "Plebiscite 98". The first donation from Machado to Vila amounted to $20,000. "It is necessary to expand the suits we filed before the State Election Commission, the Office of Government Ethics, the Department of Justice, and the Treasury Department" said Rivera at a press conference. The original complaint made by Rivera asking for the investigation of Acevedo Vila was filed on April 20. On the new complaints, the commissioner for the NPP, asks that Vila be required to show copies of the bank statements and cancelled checks of the account "Friends of Acevedo Vila Committee", into which the first check of $20,000 was deposited. He also asks that sworn testimonies be given by Acevedo Vila and Machado about the donations, and that the results of the investigation be referred to the Office of Government Ethics, to the Department of Justice, and to the Federal Election Commission. Acevedo Vila Will Not Return $10,000 Donation May 7, 2004 SAN JUAN (AP) — Popular Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Anibal Acevedo Vila, said he would not return a 1999 donation of $10,000 made by former San Juan mayoral primary candidate, Richard Machado. Acevedo Vila insisted that the donation was perfectly legal and was used to pay debts incurred by the 1998 plebiscite campaign, in which the PDP supported the 5th column of "none of the above." Machado recently revealed that in addition to a $20,000 donation made to the "Friends of Acevedo Vila" fund, which was returned in April, he made another donation of $10,000 to The "Plebiscite 98" campaign. Acevedo Vila did not dismiss the idea that more donations were received, he pointed out that their campaign against the Young Bill, which concerned Puerto Rico’s status, was reinforced with aggressive fundraising. Acevedo Vila said he returned the $20,000 donation of his own accord, but that he will no longer fall for "Machado’s little games." Acevedo Vila has repeatedly denied having received the donations personally from Machado at a 1999 luncheon.
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