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During Senate hearings on Saturday to evaluate his nomination for another term, Superior Court Judge Anthony Cuevas Ramos stated that he would be willing to preside over the State Elections Commission (SEC) if appointed by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón.
When Sen. Juan Oscar Morales Rodríguez asked him if he would accept the role, Cuevas Ramos replied, “I have never in my life run away from a challenge.”
Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz announced that the nominations of both Cuevas Ramos and other candidates evaluated in the hearings would be presented during today’s session.
The Committee on Innovation, Reform, and Appointments, chaired by Rivera Schatz, conducted a public hearing reviewing the appointments of two nominees for judgeships in the Superior Court of First Instance, two prosecutors, and three property registrars. The nominees discussed their professional experiences and their commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice.
“There is no doubt that managing the extraordinary appeals room and addressing its complex controversies are extremely interesting and invaluable,” Cuevas Ramos said. “Some of these cases have allowed me to make significant contributions to jurisprudence in both electoral matters and extraordinary appeals. I hope to continue on this journey.”
Luis R. Vega Rosario, the newly appointed superior judge of the Court of First Instance, shared his professional background.
“In my four years at the Arecibo Prosecutor’s Office, I have developed skills in both litigation and mediation,” he said. “Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to investigate sensitive cases of sexual crimes involving both minors and adults, which has provided me with unique experiences.”
Sen. Héctor Joaquín Sánchez Álvarez inquired about the biggest challenges facing the judicial system in electoral cases and whether processes are abused. Cuevas Ramos answered, “In electoral matters, the biggest challenge for the judiciary is to address cases promptly.”
“The electoral law designates specific time frames for the court’s actions,” the judge said. “As the election approaches, the pace quickens significantly — so that is one of the challenges.”
Regarding the potential abuse of processes, Cuevas Ramos said, “I hesitate to use the term ‘abuse,’ but between the 2020 experience and prior situations, the outcomes are influenced by who leads the State Elections Commission.”
“When decisions are left to the commissioners — strictly administrative decisions — there is a clear difference depending on whether these decisions are made by the Commission president,” he said.
Sen. Migdalia Padilla Alvelo asked Vega Rosario how he would interpret the law in cases of gaps or ambiguities. He responded that it is essential to review the legislative history to understand the intention of the lawmakers and see if there are any gaps within the law.
In response to Padilla’s questions about allowing cameras in judicial hearings, both nominees expressed their support for the practice.
“Cameras are being implemented when requested, and I believe this should continue,” Vega Rosario said. “The public deserves to see what is happening in the courts, and this should not be limited.”
