An administrative complaint against the mayor of the district of Arraiján, Stefany Peñalba, was filed with the governor of the province of Panamá Oeste, Marilyn Vallarino. In this new complaint against Mayor Peñalba, lawyers Ileana Tejera Flores and David Tejada warn of the possible commission of the crimes of abuse of authority, abuse of power, and violation of national cultural heritage protection norms. The administrative complaint against Mayor Stefany Peñalba arises after she ordered and executed the demolition of the Mirador del Puente de las Américas lookout. In the complaint, the two jurists request that an administrative process be initiated to impose disciplinary sanctions, depending on the severity of the offense, which could result in suspension or removal from office. Meanwhile, the councilors of the Arraiján district continue to distance themselves from Mayor Stefany Peñalba following the criticism sparked by the demolition of the Mirador del Puente de las Américas and a monument in honor of the Chinese community in Panama. During the last session of the Arraiján municipal council in 2025, the mayor did not attend, nor did Vice Mayor Oliver Ríos. Luz Denía Oliver, president of the municipal council, reported that she spoke by phone with Mayor Stefany Peñalba, who expressed that she maintains her position of having acted for security reasons given the structural damage to the facilities. Oliver also indicated that the mayor has exempted the municipal council from responsibility for the decision made.
