This situation would have been incompatible with the conditions set to lead the organization. The case gained greater prominence after being linked to the disqualification of Ricardo Martinelli and legal actions related to the presidential candidacy of José Raúl Mulino, as well as with statements from the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, who assured that they would evaluate withdrawing the recognition previously granted. The controversy has sparked an intense debate about freedom of the press, journalistic ethics, transparency, and the role of the media in Panama. The former president of La Prensa Panama, Annette Planells, reappeared publicly after the scandal and accusations of extortion against her, ensuring that her management allowed for a significant reduction in the medium's losses. In a letter addressed to the shareholders of La Prensa Corporation, Planells stated that at the beginning of her administration in 2023, the medium registered losses of $5.53 million, a figure that—according to her explanation—decreased progressively until achieving positive results in July and August of 2025, with net profits of $14,000 and $25,000, respectively. The former executive maintained that the statement issued by the board of directors included “statements alien to the truth and value judgments without support,” and pointed out that she was not allowed to present her version before the decision was made public. The controversy revolves around her alleged link with the digital medium Foco, from which—according to the board—manipulated publications would have been made to exert political and corporate pressure.
