The controversy surrounding the demolition of the so-called “Chinese monument” at the Bridge of the Americas viewpoint is now linked to a second institutional conflict: the Panama Canal Authority’s (ACP) complaint that, since August 2025, it has been unable to obtain a construction permit from the local government for the Brujas-Cocolí highway, the main access road to the locks. Amid both controversies, Peñalba gave an interview to the radio program Hablemos Claro after the national uproar and defended that all her decisions have been “technically based and oriented towards prevention.” “Nothing has been done outside the established rules,” she concluded. The mayor lamented that “the action has been misrepresented.” “We maintain our position: those structures posed a danger. Sometimes I’m out in the streets, where the problems are,” she asserted. The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), however, reported that it applied for the construction permit on August 25, 2025, and has not received a response, nor has it been able to meet with the mayor. “That road doesn’t allow for hiding anything.” To accusations that she acted under external pressure, she responded with a firm “no.” “The decisions were made for safety and prevention. If anything had happened to anyone, I would be the one primarily responsible,” she declared. The mayor also stated that her administration has “activated” the viewpoint with portable toilets, security, and cultural activities. “And no decision was illegal,” she asserted. Another conflict involves the collection of taxes from the ACP for the highway, which is the responsibility of the Municipal Council. Peñalba also denied that the demolished structure was a monument, citing three reports indicating safety risks. “I prefer a media issue surrounding the removal of deteriorated structures to having a death attributed to irresponsibility,” she added. The mayor also emphasized that she followed all legal procedures and called for respect for municipal autonomy.
