In Panama, amid criticism and public pressure on the performance of various institutions, the government of José Raúl Mulino has faced a series of resignations from officials, once again putting the stability of his administration under scrutiny.
Among the resignations that have attracted attention are those of Francisco (Frank) Ameglio, Vice Minister of Agricultural Development; Ana Fábrega, director of the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Families (Senniaf); Rutilio Villarreal, who served as director of the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan); and José Pablo Ramos, manager of the Cold Chain.
In the case of Ameglio, leader of the Realizando Metas (RM) party, the group that brought Mulino to the Presidential Palace, his departure was attributed to personal reasons. He was replaced by José Aníbal Rincón Stanziola, who previously served as an advisor to the minister. His departure was officially announced in a statement issued by the entity's board of directors.
For her part, Fábrega left her post amid a particularly sensitive situation for the institution. Despite growing public scrutiny of the situation in these protection centers, Fábrega submitted her resignation without offering any explanations about what happened in the shelters. She was to be replaced by Otilia Rodríguez; however, after questions arose due to allegations against her, Andrea Carolina Vega was appointed.
Ramos’ tenure was marked by criticism related to the lack and scarcity of water in various regions. His replacement has not yet been named. Villarreal was the last to leave his post on Wednesday, March 4. He is being replaced by the agency’s deputy director, Luis Santanach.
The situation in the Azuero region worsened in May 2025 when it experienced one of its most severe water crises in years, after the pollution of the Río La Villa and Río Estibaná rivers forced the restriction of drinking water production. This forced IDAAN and the Ministry of Environment to deploy inspection and control operations, while entire communities depended on water trucks and rationing.
The investigations pointed to various sources of pollution, including waste from agricultural activities, the runoff of agrochemicals, and improper dumping in rivers. "I think these officials should have resigned. Why did they leave without providing the country with details about what happened in the shelters?" questioned Vamos party congresswoman Alexandra Brenes, who had also denounced Fábrega.
