Right of Reply by Anayansi Turner and Julio Yao Villalaz. The state almost lost $90 million due to misvalued lands in GobierNito. There are no fare or electricity increases in Panama, and the gas subsidy remains in place. Hotelers have sounded the alarm over a $10 fee on tourists at Tocumen Airport. 'I regret that the news in question has echoed the most nefarious McCarthyism and disinformation campaign, without confirming facts or contrasting sources, abandoning its duty of serious and truthful journalism. I do not hold that position under any circumstances,' mentioned Yao Villalaz. Pursuant to Law 22 of 2005, the right of reply is granted to the academics Anayansi Turner and Julio Yao Villalaz. In a document sent to the editorial office, Professor Julio Yao Villalaz deemed some statements about himself to be inaccurate. 'Regarding these falsehoods, I wish to state that I proudly belong to the Chinese-Panamanian community that has been consolidating Panamanian nationality for over 170 years, and for nearly 40 years, to the university academic community that has professionally trained thousands of young Panamanians, including journalists.' 'I have always advocated for accountability as a democratic duty. Nevertheless, I do maintain that China is an example of civilization for humanity.' 'I do not accept that my proven intellectual independence be questioned. Furthermore, most analysts do not question the so-called 'authoritarian regime'. With 100 million members (2024), the CPC is the second-largest party in the world. In her statement, lawyer Anayansi Turner stated that the news claims that the U.S. government has revoked our entry visas, when we do not have active visas nor have we requested them, nor has that country's embassy officially communicated such a fact, for which reason we question such an assertion.' 'Secondly, Turner indicated: 'it is claimed that such a restriction is due to having ties to the Chinese Communist Party; with 'endangering the sovereignty, freedom of the press and the livelihood of Panamanians' with our opinions, as well as using our professional credentials to 'promote foreign propaganda that erodes transparent and responsible governance in Panama,' among other things.' 'My personal opinions concerning China are just that, for which I firmly reject such a slanderous accusation.' 'I must clarify that I have never requested a visa to travel to the U.S., therefore the comments therein in which I am prohibited from entering said country are completely inapplicable,' stated Yao Villalaz. He clarified that the only time he traveled to the United States occurred in May 1970, when he accompanied the staff of the Hague Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, with a visa requested not by him, but by the government of that country. The disappearance of the news regarding the 'Chinese-linked' entrepreneurs in the subsequent days also speaks to the objectivity of the news.'
