The Ombudsman shall have authority to administer oaths and take depositions, order the appearance and testimony of witnesses, and require the production of any papers, books, documents and other evidence.
When a duly summoned witness fails to appear to testify, or does not produce the evidence he is required to, or when he refuses to answer any question related to any study or investigation carried out pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the Ombudsman may appear before any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, on his own or through the Secretary of Justice, to require the appearance and testimony of the witness or the production of the evidence required, as the case may be. Upon a request by the Ombudsman, the Secretary of Justice shall furnish the necessary legal assistance for such purposes.
No natural or [juridical] person shall refuse to comply with a subpoena issued by the Ombudsman or his representative, or to produce the evidence requested, or to refuse to answer any question with regard to any matter under study or investigation, or to refuse to obey a judicial order so issued, on the grounds that the testimony or the evidence required of him could incriminate him or expose him to a criminal prosecution or to be discharged or suspended from his employment, profession or occupation. Nonetheless, no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any punishment or seizure as a result of any transaction, matter or thing in regard to which he may be bound, after having claimed his privilege of not testifying against himself, to give testimony or evidence, except that said person who so testifies, shall not be exempt from prosecution or punishment for perjury when so committing it.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 15; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 5.