Following the Supreme Court's ruling that declared the contract with Panama Ports Company (PPC) unconstitutional, President José Raúl Mulino came forward to address the nation and reassure the country. He stated that Panamanian ports are a strategic asset and that efforts will be made to ensure an orderly process without improvisation. Mulino explained that until the ruling is finalized, PPC will continue to operate normally, after which a transition period will begin, culminating in a new concession under favorable terms for Panama. He also ordered the Panama Maritime Authority to meet immediately with PPC to ensure cooperation and continuity during this phase. In response, Panama Ports Company reacted to the ruling, calling it 'devoid of legal basis' and contrary to current law, but assured that it will respect the transition process. This event marks a new chapter in the concession for the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal, which have been under PPC's administration for nearly three decades. The country is now looking towards a reorganization aimed at protecting this strategic resource without affecting operations or employment. The president also guaranteed there will be no layoffs and that workers' rights will be protected. As part of this plan, Mulino appointed engineer Alberto Alemán Zubieta as coordinator of a technical team responsible for articulating all port competencies and overseeing the transition.
