in 1948, the legislature, controlled by the partido popular democratico de puerto rico and presided over by luis muñoz marín, approved a bill to suppress government opposition. this bill, also known as "ley de la mordaza" (gag law) and law 53, received the approval of the legislature on may 21, 1948. the bill was signed into law by u.s.-appointed governor jesús t. piñero on june 10, 1948. it became known as "ley 53" (law 53).