Puerto Rico governor won’t resign, seek new term

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said Sunday evening that he will not resign in the face of public furor over an obscenity-laced leaked online chat, but he will not seek re-election or continue as head of his pro-statehood political party.

Protesters said they were not satisfied by his concessions, and they pledged to continue demonstrations that have filled the streets of Old San Juan for more than a week.

“He’s stretching things out. We had hoped he’d taken the decision to resign. He’s making the people’s pain last longer,” said Emmarie Morales, a protester from southeast coastal town of Patillas. “He’s given us more strength to protest.”

In a brief video posted on Facebook, Rosselló said he looked forward to defending himself against the process of impeachment, whose initial stages are being explored by Puerto Rico’s legislature.

“In spite of everything, I recognize that apologizing isn’t enough, that only my work will help restore confidence,” the governor said.

Transcripts of chats on the encrypted app Telegram between the governor and 11 close allies and members of his administration them insulting women and mocking constituents, including the victims of Hurricane Maria.

Just hours after Rosselló spoke, another top official submitted his resignation.

“Unfortunately the events in recent weeks, including the attitudes reflected in the comments of officials and advisers of the current administration, do not match my values and principles,” wrote Gerardo Portela, who has been principal investment officer, president of Puerto Rico’s Economic Development Bank and executive director of the Housing Finance Authority.