During a memorial mass in Santiago de los Caballeros marking the first anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub collapse, Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella broke his public silence regarding the legal process, warning of a higher accountability if the courts fail to deliver a fair ruling. Estrella, who lost his son Eduardo Guarionex, his daughter-in-law Alexandra Grullón, and his daughter-in-law’s uncles Eduardo Grullón and Johanna Rodríguez de la Cruz in the disaster, emphasized that the Dominican people are watching the proceedings closely.
Most scheduled commemorative acts for the anniversary were partially suspended or moved due to a trough causing heavy rains and flooding across Greater Santo Domingo on 8 April.
“We expect the Dominican justice system to act as it should, not just as the families expect, but as society and the Dominican people expect,” Estrella stated.
A warning against influence peddling
The Public Works Minister’s message included an indirect but pointed denunciation of alleged pressures or external influences surrounding the Jet Set case. In referring to “divine justice,” he remarked that a higher power is not susceptible to the same tactics used in earthly litigation.
“In that sphere, media outlets do not count, collusion does not count, and influence peddling is not used,” Estrella said. He added a somber reflection on accountability, stating, “Everything in life, everything in life is paid for here or in the next life.”
The main accused in the case, Antonio Espaillat is known as a Dominican media mogul.
Faith as a pillar for the victims
Despite the legal frustrations and the magnitude of his personal loss, the Public Works Minister and grieving father noted that his family remains resilient through their religious convictions. “As a family, we remain strong and have come to terms with this because we believe in God, because we are a family of faith,” he expressed.
Estrella concluded by reiterating that if human institutions do not provide the truth and justice the victims deserve, a superior plane of accountability remains. “Because if that justice does not act, divine justice will,” he affirmed.
The public stance from a high-ranking government official adds significant weight to the demands for transparency in a case involving over 400 victims and allegations of “deliberately ignored” structural fatigue.
The former Senate president recalled that on the night of the collapse, he was called by President Luis Abinader to assist in search and rescue efforts in his role as Minister of Public Works. At the time, he said, he “never imagined” his son, Eduardo Guarionex Estrella Cruz, was among those trapped beneath the debris.
The main accused in the case is Antonio Espaillat López who, in addition to his position at the Jet Set Club, is known as a dominant figure in Dominican media. He continues to preside over Radio Cadena Comercial (RCC Media). Espaillat has been known to control over 50 radio stations, making him the second-largest broadcaster in the Dominican Republic. Notable stations include Zol 106.5 FM, Los 40, and Radio Disney.
At the time of the collapse, Antonio Espaillat was abroad. His sister was present during the concert and was could have suspended the show after pieces of the roof first collapsed. Antonio Espaillat cut his trip abroad short and returned on that day. He admitted he incognito visited the site of the disaster. He did not speak to the press that was covering the search for victims at the site. He has only given one interview, that with Edith Febles but in that pre-taped interview he denied he was aware that the roof had serious problems.
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9 April 2026