Applications Open for Panama's Deputy Comptroller Position

The new regulation establishes that those wishing to obtain such designation must be Panamanian citizens by birth, hold a university degree, be over 34 years old, and not have been convicted of a willful crime punishable by deprivation of liberty for 5 years or more by a final judgment issued by a court of justice. Candidates for the position of Deputy Comptroller of the Republic may submit their applications for the position to the National Assembly until next Tuesday, January 20th, at 4:00 PM. The former Deputy Comptroller, Eli Felipe Cabezas, resigned from his position last month without giving further details about his decision. The Legislative Branch, through a press release, declared the application period open so that interested parties can submit the documentation required by Article #279 of the Political Constitution. "I submit to what the National Assembly deems appropriate, it is their prerogative to make the appointment," he stated. The General Comptroller's Office, in accordance with the Constitution, is the entity in charge of overseeing and regulating the handling of funds and other public goods, directing and forming the national statistics, and informing the Assembly and the Executive Branch on the financial status of the public administration, among other functions. In this regard, Comptroller Anel Flores assured that his reasons were "family and personal issues," therefore, he accepted the resignation and will abide by what the Assembly, the body in charge of the appointment, decides. In addition, they must submit their curriculum vitae, birth certificate, personal record, and a certified copy of their university degree.