The Electoral Tribunal of Panama (TE) decided, in a full session of magistrates, to directly contract advertising with a weekend television program. The contract, for a total of $145,500 per year or $13,500 per month, was signed with the company Builders and Civil Solutions, S.A. This company, headed by Joel AbdÃas Villota Murillo, was registered in 2015 and is engaged in construction, real estate, and import/export, but has no experience in mass media. The advertising contract is with the program "China TV", which airs on Sundays. The TE can place up to two minutes of advertising per program in it, as well as receive a bonus ad spot on YouTube and a mention on Instagram. The contracting resolution states that the company is "unique in its dissemination, as it handles an exclusive style aimed at the aforementioned community." Thus, the contract is aimed at strengthening ties with the Chinese-Panamanian community. However, this raises the question of the "evident urgency" of this decision, which is not specified. "La Prensa" sent the TE magistrates seven questions about this contract, but received no response.
