Puerto Rico court upholds consumer dispute resolution ruling

The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently upheld a decision regarding a consumer dispute between Pedro Marrero Ruiz and Raymond Quiñones Santiago. The court confirmed a previous ruling that approved a transaction agreement between the two parties. This decision is significant as it reinforces the authority of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO) in resolving consumer disputes.

The case, identified as TA2026RA00184, arose from a complaint filed by Marrero Ruiz against Quiñones Santiago on August 27, 2025. Marrero Ruiz alleged that Quiñones Santiago had agreed to repair his vehicle for a previously agreed price. He advanced $2,361.13 for parts but claimed that Quiñones Santiago later demanded additional funds to complete the work. After refusing to pay more, Marrero Ruiz stated that Quiñones Santiago stopped the repairs and failed to fulfill his obligations. As a result, Marrero Ruiz sought a refund and attorney fees.

In response, Quiñones Santiago argued that the total cost for the parts was $3,941.53, leaving a balance of $1,641.53 that Marrero Ruiz had not paid. He claimed he was unable to continue the work due to financial constraints but offered to return the already purchased parts. Following several procedural matters, a hearing was held on February 10, 2026, where the parties reached a transaction agreement outside the courtroom.

During the hearing, Marrero Ruiz's attorney reported that Quiñones Santiago would provide seven parts for the vehicle repair, and there would be a remaining balance of $86.13 that Quiñones Santiago would not need to refund. The DACO approved this transaction on February 11, 2026, and closed the case.

However, on February 19, 2026, Marrero Ruiz's attorney resigned, stating that Marrero Ruiz wished to undo the agreement. Marrero Ruiz then filed a reconsideration request on his own, expressing dissatisfaction with the transaction and alleging that he had been pressured into it. He claimed that essential questions had not been asked to ensure that the agreement was voluntary.

On April 15, 2026, the court received Marrero Ruiz's appeal, which did not specify the errors he believed had occurred but reiterated his concerns about the transaction. The court noted that the DACO's decisions are given deference unless proven otherwise, as established in previous cases.

The court ruled that the DACO acted within its authority and that the agreement was valid. Judge Boria Vizcarrondo, along with Judges Rivera Marchand, Mateu Meléndez, and Robles Adorno, confirmed the DACO's ruling, stating, "The parties involved reached a transaction agreement that was duly approved by the DACO. There is no evidence of coercion or lack of consent." The court emphasized the importance of consent in transactions, noting that both parties had willingly entered into the agreement.

This ruling has implications for consumer rights in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the legitimacy of agreements reached through administrative processes and highlights the importance of following through on such agreements. Consumers and service providers alike are affected by this ruling, as it sets a precedent for how similar disputes may be handled in the future.

Looking ahead, it is unclear if Marrero Ruiz will seek further appeal options. The court's ruling affirms the DACO's authority, making it challenging to overturn the decision without substantial new evidence. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or potential appeals.