The Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico published the result of an investigation related to alleged irregularities in the contracting and disbursement process of $74,500 for advertising services for the celebration of the Christmas lighting in the House of Representatives in 2016. The chief of staff of the House delegated the organization of this activity to the Protocol Office and instructed the protocol officer to find producers for the activity, since he had experience in artistic events.
The investigation revealed that the protocol officer manipulated the proposal evaluation processes to benefit the awarded contractor. According to the evidence, the protocol officer used his official computer to make changes to the file “Bienvenida la Navidad 2016” that contained the proposal he processed and recommended.
The Report indicates that it is possible that the protocol officer received money in exchange for his actions, for which he could have committed the crime of undue intervention in government operations and undue influence, typified in Act 146-2012, Penal Code of Puerto Rico. In fact, the auditors found that the contractor had issued three checks for $8,156 in favor of the protocol officer in 2017 and 2018 for concepts identified as Navidad Nestlé, production work and Humacao reimbursement.
In addition, the same day the contractor formalized the contract, November 18, 2016, he issued an invoice for $34,188, which the House Finance Office paid in advance, without the contractor having rendered the required services. This situation is contrary to the Administrative Order 2012-03 of the House.
The result of this investigation was remitted to the secretary of Justice on April 28, 2022 so that he may carry out the processes he deems pertinent. In addition, it is recommended that the president of the House take the appropriate measures.
The result of this investigation is dated October 3, 2022.
See the Result of the investigation RIQ-DIE-23–06.
To see other published reports, visit our section of Audit Reports.
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