Panama's Comptroller Measures to Protect Public Assets

The precautionary measures imposed by the General Comptroller's Office have generated various opinions in the country; however, the law authorizes the entity to safeguard the assets of those who attack public property. These actions, according to the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (Cciap), Juan Arias Strunz, will ensure that those convicted of these irregularities return what was embezzled. "The comptroller is ensuring that if these individuals are convicted, the funds are available to compensate the state," he stated. From the Cciap, they affirmed that they will support all actions that weaken corruption as long as they are carried out correctly. Comptroller Anel Flores confirmed that the former mayor of the district of San Miguelito, Héctor Valdés Carrasquilla, and the former vice president, José Gabriel Carrizo, will not be the only former officials to have their assets seized for alleged irregular management, as the waiting list includes other members of the party. The businessman stated that the objective of this decision is to safeguard the state's assets to guarantee their recovery when the alleged implicated parties are found guilty by the competent authorities. He mentioned that investigations into these cases usually take several years without certainty of the return of the embezzled amount; therefore, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions. Flores considers it incorrect that Panamanians bear the consequences of the country's external debt increasing by 30 billion dollars without justification; therefore, the investigations will continue. "The list is important, we are working and we will continue to do so," he reiterated on the program 'Sin Rodeos'. The amount of the Comptroller's Office's seizures amounts to $1,599,664.15.