(Source: http://www.endi.com/)
Until today, Puerto Rico has never seen a sitting governor formally charged for violating campaign finance rules. This morning, as I was watching CNN en Español, I was certainly shocked to hear and see FBI agents arresting some of the governor's campaign officials. As the governor, Anibal Acevedo Vila, is a public official, and Puerto Rico is a U.S commonwealth, federal laws take precedent. He is being charged with 19 counts, which includes conspiracy, making false statements, and wire fraud.
This evening, the governor made a televised appearance to reiterate his innocence. According to the governor, this federal investigation into his campaign finances has been a political game, in which he's the vicitm. He asked for the support of all Puerto Ricans, and promises to continue to serve as governor.
In my opinion, it is only a matter of time in which the governor will have to resign. I think it's probably his only option, and the most graceful way for him to leave office. Unfortunately, lies, greed and the hunger for power and control are just some of the most common themes which transcends cultures. I look at what happened with the former governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, along with many other corrupt officials and can't help but think... the truth eventually comes out.
Update: At 9AM local time on Friday, March 28th, Gov. Acevedo Vila voluntarily (without being handcuffed) turned himself in to the Federal U.S District Court in San Juan to face the 19 federal charges leveled against him. He was released after two hours, without having his passport taken away from him and without having to pay bail.
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