The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals ruled on June 30, 2026, against police officer Eduardo Ferrer Velázquez in his appeal regarding salary deductions. The court confirmed the decision of the Comisión Apelativa Servicio Público (CASP), which denied Ferrer Velázquez's request to restore hours deducted from his salary. This ruling impacts public employees in Puerto Rico who may face similar issues regarding salary disputes and appeals.
The case began when Ferrer Velázquez filed an appeal in February 2025, questioning the amount he received from a salary adjustment. He claimed that the Police Department wrongfully deducted hours from his pay, even though he had not requested a leave of absence without pay. Despite admitting to receiving a payment of $6,733.79 in October 2023, he continued to seek additional compensation for the hours deducted.
On April 30, 2026, the CASP dismissed Ferrer Velázquez's appeal, stating it was filed after the 30-day jurisdictional deadline for appealing such decisions. The CASP cited specific regulations that require appeals to be filed within 30 days from the notification of the decision. Ferrer Velázquez later sought reconsideration of the CASP's decision, but the CASP did not respond.
Frustrated, Ferrer Velázquez filed a Review of Administrative Decision on June 12, 2026, asking the court to overturn the CASP's ruling. He argued that the CASP's decision lacked a final resolution regarding the administrative hearing and that he was entitled to reimbursement for the deducted hours.
In response, the court requested a certified copy of the administrative record from the CASP and allowed the Police Department to present its position on the matter. On June 29, 2026, the Police Department submitted a response, asserting that Ferrer Velázquez's appeal was indeed filed outside the required timeframe and that he had accepted a payment that resolved the dispute.
The court ruled that it must confirm the CASP's decision. Judge Robles Adorno, writing the opinion, stated, "the late filing of an appeal deprived the CASP of jurisdiction to address the request made by the appellant." The court emphasized that Ferrer Velázquez had knowledge of the agency's position during a hearing in 2023 but failed to file his appeal in a timely manner.
Additionally, the court noted that Ferrer Velázquez had previously accepted a payment for the salary adjustment, which further complicated his case. As a result, the court concluded that it was inappropriate to alter the CASP's ruling.
This ruling is significant for public employees in Puerto Rico as it underscores the importance of adhering to deadlines when filing appeals against administrative decisions. It serves as a reminder that failure to comply with procedural requirements can result in the loss of the right to contest decisions made by public agencies.
Going forward, this case may influence how public employees approach salary disputes and the importance of timely appeals. It reinforces the legal framework governing administrative procedures in Puerto Rico, emphasizing the need for employees to be vigilant about their rights and the timelines associated with them.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether Ferrer Velázquez plans to appeal this decision or if there are any related cases pending.