Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González said her top aides, Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech and Deputy Chief of Staff Itza García, will leave their posts next month as an investigation into alleged government irregularities continues. The two officials denied wrongdoing, and no findings had been made against either of them when the announcement was made.

The departures come amid scrutiny of possible problems at Puerto Rico’s Office of Permit Management, where the González administration and the island’s Office of the Special Independent Prosecutor’s Panel are reviewing allegations. The case has drawn wider political attention in Puerto Rico, with lawmakers calling for greater scrutiny of government conduct and public administration.

Officials deny wrongdoing before their departure

Domenech announced his departure at a press conference at La Fortaleza, the governor’s office in San Juan. Domenech, who had also served as executive director of Puerto Rico’s Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, rejected the claims as inaccurate:

“I return to my private life with the peace of mind of having served with integrity.”

García also denied the allegations tied to the controversy:

“I am concluding this chapter but not my commitment to Puerto Rico.”

Her departure, like Domenech’s, is set for next month.

Governor to remain in post

Governor Jenniffer González said their departure would not stop the government from continuing its work despite the controversy surrounding the allegations. The governor did not indicate that the move meant either official have been found guilty of any misconduct.

“I thank them for their commitment, dedication and professionalism, with which they have carried out their responsibilities around the clock since the very first day of our administration.”

Investigation grew out of permit office allegations

The inquiry followed claims made after the resignation of former Economic Development Chief Sebastian Negron. He raised concerns about alleged government interference and contract-related matters, and alleged that there have been inappropriate references in government operations and contracting decisions. Those allegations became the basis for further review by the island’s special prosecutor panel.

Domenech denied Negron’s claims and said they were not accurate. Negron, for his part, stood by his allegations. The dispute has placed the conduct of senior government officials under a brighter spotlight and has raised questions about how decisions were made inside the administration.

The process also drew in the legislature. Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz previously referred Garcia to the Office of Government Ethics and the Special Independent Prosecutor’s Panel for review. That step signals the level of concern about the matter and added pressure for a thorough look at the complaints.

Political pressure grows as transparency questions remain

The departures have put pressure on the administration. Any judgment on whether the moves reflected accountability, precaution or a wider political calculation remains unsettled.

For residents in Puerto Rico, the story has mattered because it touched the basic trust placed in government offices that deal with permits, contracts and economic decisions. The investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusion has been announced. For now, Puerto Rico Governor González’s administration is preparing for the departure of two senior figures next month, while the wider public and political response continue to build around the allegations as the investigation continues. The case highlights how quickly questions about procedure and oversight can become a wider test of confidence in government.