Puerto Morelos, Q.R. — The former mayor of Puerto Morelos says she has not been banned from holding public office for 20 years. Laura Fernández Piña, the former municipal mayor and former deputy who ran for governor, says the circulating information is incorrect.
Over the weekend, media stories began circulting that Fernández Piña had been banned from holding public office for 20 years. The reports also say that she had been fined millions due to a “serious fault” committed by Laura Fernández Piña.
In a statement, Fernández Piña called the accusations “false and malicious” and explained her side.
“Dear friends and family:
“In the last few hours, information has been circulating to the effect that I have been disqualified from holding public office for 20 years in my state, Quintana Roo. I want to tell you that this information that has been spread is false and malicious. I have never run away from the truth, nor will I do so now!
“Yes, last May I discovered that there was an administrative process related to a liability of the Puerto Morelos City Council with the IMSS during the pandemic, but I want you to know the full context.
“This liability arose because, in the face of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, my administration prioritized paying the salaries of our workers so that no one would be left without a livelihood.
“In February 2020, with pride, we had signed a historic agreement with the IMSS to provide social security to municipal workers, something that other municipalities had not achieved in decades. But when the pandemic hit, income plummeted. Many advised me to cancel the agreement, but how could I leave those who risked their health on the streets without medical protection?
“These were times of fear and uncertainty. The workers only had their salary, and as a government, we found ourselves alone on many fronts. Maintaining the agreement with the IMSS was a human decision, even if it meant accumulating a liability, as happened in many other municipalities.
“There was never corruption or bad faith, only the commitment not to abandon our people.
“When they started this administrative process that the media is talking about, they never notified me, as required by law. That is why, in May of last year, I filed a legal appeal to defend my rights.
“Thanks to this, the procedure was suspended. A few days ago the constitutional hearing took place, but the judge has not yet made a definitive decision. I know that sooner or later justice will illuminate the truth.
“It deeply hurts me that they try to damage my career with lies, and even more so that they want to drag my family into this matter. That is acting with bad intentions! But I want you to know something: maintaining the IMSS medical service in those critical moments was an act of humanity, and although today it has a political cost, I accept it with my head held high.
“Thank you for always being by my side, for your messages of support and for trusting me. With all my love and gratitude, Laura.”
According to media reports, the disqualification was issued by the Fourth Unitary Chamber of the Administrative Court of Justice of Quintana Roo on March 19, 2024, but has since undergone several additional legal processes with the Eighth District Court of Cancun, one of which was the request for an annulment.
Reports have also said that in addition to her 20-year disqualification, Fernández Piña will have to pay 78.9 million pesos for damages to the treasury after being accused of diverting resources to favor companies in the name of her husband, Carlos Alberto Moyano Menchaca.
According to Laura Fernández Piña, the judge has not made an official ruling. After being mayor of Puerto Morelos, Fernández Piña was as a federal deputy of relative majority in the LXV Legislature from August 29, 2021 to August 31, 2024.
