Omar Castillo Elected as New Comptroller General of Panama

Omar Virgilio Castillo Rodríguez was chosen as the new Comptroller General by the National Assembly. Castillo was supported by the 'Realizando Metas', PRD, Panameñista, Democratic Change, and Mixed caucuses. After being chosen, Castillo told deputies that his career gave him the opportunity to learn about the behavior and management of government entities. The new comptroller is known in the Legislature because he was the director of the General State Budget for several years. Eustorgio Otero, for his part, was nominated by Deputy Ernesto Cedeño, from the 'Another Path' Movement (Moca). Castillo received the favorable vote of 46 deputies, while 4 voted for Eustorgio Otero and 16 abstained. He replaces Elí Felipe Cabezas, who resigned from the position last September. Otero received the vote from the 'Seguimos' caucus, while the abstentions came from the independent 'Vamos' coalition. Omar Castillo was nominated by Deputy Dana Castañeda (RM), who highlighted his career in public service, management of public resources, and accountability mechanisms. She assured that her management will be guided by the superior interest of the Republic and respect for the Constitution. He was a candidate for deputy for the Democratic Change (CD) party in circuit 2-1 (Penonomé) in 2014. Of the 21 citizens who presented their documentation to be comptroller, 11 were qualified, 9 did not proceed because they failed to present established requirements, and one declined their nomination. 'We are going to work firmly to strengthen oversight and promote transparency,' he expressed. He is a graduate of the University of Panama (UP), with a master's degree obtained in Spain. He served as Vice Minister of Economy in the government of Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014). Previously, he worked at the Comptroller's Office as an auditor, later moving to the Civil Aviation Directorate, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Planning and Economic Policy, and Ministry of Government and Justice. He is a teacher at the UP, where he teaches several subjects.