Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino assured that there are no hidden negotiations behind the policy of using 10% bioethanol in fuels for 2026. He added that on March 17, all deputies were able to participate in the first debate on the project, and the same happened during the second debate. However, the tone of his intervention also escalated. He even stated that his remarks were aimed at the president of the commission, Deputy Ernesto Cedeño. The Ministry of Energy recognizes that the country is not prepared to implement the use of BIOETHANOL from April 1, 2026, but with a new bill it wants to make its use mandatory from the promulgation of the NEW Law. The apple of discord: the obligation It all began when independent deputy Jonathan Vega questioned, during the period of incidents, the process by which the bill that obliges the use of bioethanol as an additive in a 10% mixture with the gasoline consumed in the country was approved in first debate. "We are all going to pay 3% to 4% more than we are already paying," said Vega, referring to the fact that the mixture with bioethanol reduces the performance of the fuel in machinery that must use it. "It was approved in a rush," highlighted the deputy, while adding that the topic was not "discussed as it should have been." His speech seemed to be directed at the Commission on Commerce and Economic Affairs, something he confirmed later. "They didn't discuss it; it was approved yes or no because they felt like it," he reiterated, this time with a much higher tone of voice than usual. Subsequently, his words changed direction and brought up the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac. "He never came to present his project," said the deputy, also pointing out that the proponents want it to be approved "yes or no." He concluded by stating that the Vamos caucus suggested several modifications, but none were accepted. In the other corner of the ring Deputy Ernesto Cedeño began his intervention with his usual greeting and recalled that the project arrived at the Assembly on October 21, 2025, and entered the Commerce Commission three days later, on October 24. Subsequently, he mentioned the holding of two forums: one in the city of Panama and another in Aguadulce. To date, it has been presented in at least four different quinquenniums. The interesting thing? Although it was not possible to identify his words precisely, his attitude evidenced that he was enjoying the moment. The struggle continued for a few more seconds, until the president of the Assembly, Jorge Herrera, had to intervene on repeated occasions to call order and allow Deputy Jorge Bloise to speak. Controversy in the middle of controversy This heated exchange took place after the Commission on Commerce and Economic Affairs approved in first debate bill 443, which establishes that all gasoline commercialized in the country must contain 10% anhydrous bioethanol, a vegetable-origin additive used as an oxygenate. Five of the nine deputies that make up the commission voted in favor of the initiative. It is worth noting that this is not the first time this project has been proposed; however, on previous occasions, it has become halfway. He referred to "living beings, liars, scoundrels and box office draw" and affirmed that "only God knows what is in the heart of some living beings." He continued to point out that, on the issue of ethanol, they are following what the law dictates and that more than 20 entities, including institutions, community groups, and interested organizations, were invited to the forums and the first debate. He stressed that he was not in agreement with the approval of the project in first debate and even proposed modifications. He also considered it "regrettable" that there are people "without principles and values" who come to the Assembly to "disturb the peace." He concluded by stating that he will present the project as soon as it is delivered to him by the commission, since he does not "shelve" initiatives. During both interventions, shouts and objections on substance were heard from several deputies, although it was not possible to identify their issuers. A secondary actor who stole the show Although the confrontation stole the spotlight, it did not go unnoticed that government deputy Luis Eduardo Camacho was observed in the background supporting Cedeño's words and even showing effusiveness, as if watching a sporting event. He stood up, raised his fist in a victory sign and vociferated on several occasions.
