The Arraiján Municipal Council has put an end to the conflict between Mayor Stefany Peñalba and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), related to the granting of a permit for the rehabilitation of the Bruja-Cocolí road and the exemption from municipal tax payment. The decision was made during an extraordinary meeting held yesterday, which Mayor Peñalba attended but avoided giving statements to the media. The president of the Municipal Council, Luzdenia Oliver, explained that during the session, the mayor's proposal was heard, but it was made clear that the exemption from municipal tax payment is an exclusive power of the council members, in accordance with current regulations. However, Oliver specified that if the Panama Canal Authority proceeds to hire private companies to carry out the road rehabilitation works in Bruja-Cocolí, these companies must comply with the corresponding municipal tax payments. With this decision, the Municipal Council seeks to close the institutional dispute, guarantee respect for municipal autonomy, and ensure that infrastructure works are carried out in accordance with the law.
