The article details the process and history of minority reports in the Panamanian National Assembly, outlining the constitutional and regulatory framework governing their use. It highlights instances where minority reports were presented and subsequently rejected.
The article reviews six cases over the past 20 years where minority reports were filed, all of which were rejected by the Assembly. These instances involved various bills, including fiscal reforms, the national budget, and electoral reforms. The outcomes consistently reflected the existing power balance within the legislature.
A key focus is Bill 235, which proposes amnesty for individuals involved in high-profile cases such as New Business, Blue Apple, and Odebrecht. The report analyzes the unusual nature of this minority report, noting that it originated from within the opposition party but is backed by a member of the majority. This suggests a potential for success in the Assembly, although internal divisions within the ruling coalition and presidential opposition remain significant hurdles.
The article concludes that even if approved, the bill faces a likely presidential veto due to its perceived unconstitutionality. A presidential veto would prevent the bill from becoming law, allowing the Supreme Court of Justice to reaffirm its past rulings on similar matters.