‘LL: You ran for office at just 27 years old. Why?
Manuel: I graduated from University Puerto Rico law school in 2011. I was part of a student movement that fought for 68 days against tuition increases, fighting against the elimination of financial aid for student athletes. We stopped the university system until we were able to get a commitment from the board of trustees that they would eliminate increases. That paved the way. We were able to come together regardless of different opinions in terms of the status and politics. As we graduated we needed to continue this fight. Some of us did it in workers organizations, others in non-profits. I decided to try and occupy a space in which youth were not represented: electoral politics. I ran in 2013 for a seat I had no business winning. I got elected by 54% of the vote against the political establishment that was in power.
‘LL: Why did you leave Partido Popular Democratica (PPD)?
Manuel: In 2018 I decided to leave the PPD because of corruption and conflicts of interest I saw in the party. I called it out. The executive board said they weren’t going to do anything about it. The principles of the party went against the best interests of the people. Leadership were involved with business dealings with organizations and people that had done, and continued to do, a lot of harm to people. At that moment, I said I’m not looking the other way. I don’t have establishment or financial interests. The people of Puerto Rico believe in my integrity, in my credibility. I’m not willing to throw that away.
‘LL: How did going to college in the mainland change you? What did you come away with from the experience?
Manuel: I was away from my family, in a culture that wasn’t my own, in a place where I was literally by myself, with a language I wasn’t dominate in. I didn’t feel comfortable speaking English–I would be thinking in Spanish and translating and then articulating. Not coming from a school that traditionally sends students to the Ivy League gave me a chip on my shoulder. I thought, ‘I need to come here and prove myself.’ It all came full circle during graduation. I represented my class and presented the commencement speaker Maya Angelou. Not only did I survive four years but I was able to leave a mark on the place. As an individual it was one of the biggest privileges of my life. Cornell also reinforced that vision I had for public service. It was instrumental in helping me shape myself politically in terms of what I wanted for my country and implement all of the knowledge I gained. It allowed me to see my island from afar, remove myself from the day to day and reflect upon our current situation but our past and history and where we want to go.
‘LL: Why are you running for mayor of San Juan?
Manuel: I live in Viejo San Juan, was born and raised in San Juan. I knew it would be a challenge. It’s the capital with the biggest budget, biggest population, it’s a mini Puerto Rico. For us it was important to show that we not only could fix the things done wrong by previous administrations, but shown a path to legislative initiatives and improve quality of life. In San Juan we can put all those ideas and initiatives in place to show people we can have a different government that puts people’s best interests first. It’s not necessarily the safest path [to stay in office.] I would have had a better opportunity to be elected in the House or even the Senate. It’s not the easiest path but I think it allows me to implement changes needed with the urgency that we need.