The article from La Prensa Panamá details alleged instances of corruption and misuse of funds within the Panamanian National Assembly. The Comptroller's office has opened a dedicated email address to receive reports of irregularities such as 'botellas' (payments to non-existent positions) and other questionable payments.
The article highlights the employment of several former deputies in various positions within the Assembly, including MarĂa “Chelita” Delgado, Cenobia Vargas, and Mariela Vega, who are receiving substantial salaries. The author questions the value these individuals provide given their salaries.
The involvement of Massiel Vallarino, a relative of former deputy Marilyn Vallarino, as the executive director of Fundader, a foundation connected to the province of Panama Oeste, is also scrutinized. The author suggests a possible conflict of interest or nepotism.
A total of 79 individuals within the Assembly earn over $5,000 a month, representing an annual cost of nearly $4.7 million. The author expresses concern that this level of spending could negate any financial gains from other initiatives.
Finally, the article mentions an unconfirmed allegation that a specific individual is funding protests against the government, an accusation which the individual denies.