Deputy Ernesto Cedeño of the 'Another Path' movement addressed several key issues in an interview with La Prensa. These include ethanol use, changes to the National Assembly's internal regulations, the possible re-election of Jorge Herrera as president of that body, and the election of a new ombudsman. Regarding ethanol, proposed by the government of José Raúl Mulino, Cedeño, who chairs the Commission on Trade and Economic Affairs, noted that doubts persist about whether it will secure the necessary votes to become law. He believes the project should be amended to include 'a clause for damages and compensation,' despite experts stating the substance's safety in fuel. 'Someone must be responsible in the highly unlikely event that a vehicle is damaged by this additive,' the deputy stated. When asked about modifying the project's mandatory nature, Cedeño clarified that although he 'doesn't much like mandatory requirements,' the group of deputies sharing this view is a minority. He highlighted that 'the governmental wing believes that without the mandate, there is no incentive for the producer.' In the legislative arena, Cedeño, a member of the 'We Continue' bloc, was also consulted on the possibility of re-electing Panameñista deputy Jorge Herrera as president of the Assembly. In this regard, he responded that he would likely give his 'backing.' 'He is a person who talks and who listens,' Cedeño noted. He added that his decision will depend on 'who will accompany him as vice president and the plan he wants to implement for the next year,' which he considers fundamental factors. To date, no one has formally expressed their intention to run for or be re-elected as president of the Assembly. This week, the commission is expected to be summoned by the presidency to present the final report before the full Assembly. Regarding the election of a new ombudsman, Cedeño explained that the process will be handled by the Government Commission, which must evaluate the candidates' resumes, conduct interviews, and, if deemed eligible, submit the list to the plenary. In this scenario, any deputy can propose one of the candidates. Cedeño emphasized that the election date has not yet been set. However, Herrera has hinted that he will seek re-election for the top position in the Legislature. Cedeño also pointed out that while there are arguments for and against Herrera's tenure, the landscape for the presidency of the Assembly's permanent commissions would be very different without the current alliances. 'If it weren't for that alliance, neither We Continue would have the presidency of two commissions, nor We Would have the presence it maintains today,' he affirmed. Cedeño also informed that the Credentials Commission, of which he is a member, has already reached an agreement on amendments to the internal regulations governing this state body.
