The article focuses on the disagreement between Juan Diego Vásquez and Manuel Cheng, both members of the Vamos coalition in Panama's National Assembly. Vásquez criticized Cheng's abstention on a bill regarding amnesty, indulgences, and sentence reductions.
The bill in question (N°64) proposed new provisions on amnesty, indulgences, and sentence reductions. The vote took place within the Government, Justice, and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Cheng's abstention, contrasting with his colleague Roberto Zúñiga's vote against the bill, created a conflict. The final vote resulted in the bill's rejection.
Vásquez publicly criticized Cheng's abstention, deeming it a betrayal of the coalition's values and the citizens who elected Cheng. He questioned Cheng's earlier affirmation of supporting the bill before abstaining.
Cheng justified his abstention by quoting Voltaire: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” He explained his intention was to allow the bill to reach the first debate.
Luis Duke, deputy head of the Vamos coalition, read a statement rejecting all bills concerning amnesty for political crimes. Despite this, no disciplinary actions against Cheng have been announced within the coalition.