The internal conflict in the Panama Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA) has reached a critical point, involving the police in a recent General Assembly. During this meeting, architect Saúl Castillo, a critic of the current administration, was taken to the House of Peace in Bella Vista for obstructing the assembly's development. This situation adds to a series of tensions that have affected the guild in recent months.
Johan Caballero, president of SPIA, has faced scrutiny since her election due to questions about her suitability. Since then, she has faced accusations of not meeting the requirements to hold her position. These allegations have caused divisions within the group opposing her leadership, creating a persistent internal conflict within the organization.
A key aspect of the discord in the General Assembly was the Honor Tribunal of SPIA, which had initiated an investigation against Caballero regarding her election. This investigation was a topic of discussion in the board of directors, which was partially renewed after several members resigned due to disagreements with the president.
Caballero, despite the ousting from her position by the Honor Tribunal, continues to perform her duties as president. She has expressed concern over the lack of an approved regulation governing the tribunal's activities, questioning its authority and legality in making disciplinary decisions.
The president has also raised issues regarding the lack of requirements met by some members of the Honor Tribunal, which has substitutes acting as principals without proper authorization. These irregularities in the tribunal's structure and functioning have contributed to deteriorating SPIA's image before public opinion.
Amid this internal conflict, reports of gender violence and requests for protection and restraining orders against Saúl Castillo have been presented. These accusations, unknown to the architect until his detention in the House of Peace, have escalated tensions within the organization and have further complicated SPIA's situation.
