DACO seeks additional funds and personnel to enhance consumer protection efforts

The government meeting held on May 9, 2025, by the Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico focused on critical budgetary requests and operational challenges faced by various agencies, particularly the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO).

The Ombudsman’s office presented a request to increase its staff from 17 to approximately 30 investigators, highlighting the need for additional funding to address growing demands. They are seeking a total of $503,000 for the upcoming budget, emphasizing that the current staffing levels are insufficient to manage the workload effectively. The office previously had 140 employees, but the proposed cap is set at 90, reflecting a strategic shift towards efficiency.

Meanwhile, DACO's Secretary, Licenciada Rodríguez Erazo, outlined the department's responsibilities, which include consumer protection, price regulation, and addressing consumer complaints. She reported that DACO currently employs 143 staff members across various regional offices, but the increasing number of complaints—over 6,100 last year—has led to significant strain on resources. The department is requesting additional personnel, particularly in specialized roles such as automotive and construction inspectors, to enhance its operational capacity.

Rodríguez Erazo also stressed the urgent need for technological upgrades to streamline processes and improve service delivery. She noted that many transactions are still handled manually, which hampers efficiency and delays responses to consumer complaints. The department is advocating for investments in technology to better serve the public and manage the growing volume of cases.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for both agencies to adapt to increasing demands while managing limited resources. The discussions highlighted the importance of strategic funding and staffing decisions to ensure effective consumer protection and oversight in Puerto Rico. As the budget discussions progress, the outcomes will be crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of these essential government offices.