Defectors to CD party on property buying spree

Two deputies who jumped from the PRD party to the governing Democratic Change (CD) purchased six apartments worth almost a million dollars soon after defecting.

Abraham Martinez (San Miguelito) and Nelson Jackson (Colon) bought the apartments shortly after enrolling in Democratic Change at a time when allegations were circulating that deputies were being paid to switch.
All apartments pre-purchased through private foundations are located in a tower in Condaro Del Rey in Panama City, says a detailed report in La Prensa which includes reproductions of receipts for payments made
Martinez bought four apartments valued at $ 712,000, and Jackson, two apartments at $ 293,000. Both purchases were through private foundations
In just two months (June and July 2011), says the report, Martinez paid $284,000, equal to 20 months salary while Jackson,paid $98,000. almost a year’s pay.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Frank De Lima, said on Wednesday, April 3, that the MERF provides "support" for the deputies of the National Assembly, regardless of party affiliation.
"The MEF supports MPs from all parties … They give assignments in different institutions," said De Lima, when questioned on the La Prensa report.
De Lima said that it is up to each Member to "properly manage those funds." He added that the Comptroller General of the Republic has the function of control of that money.
"Each [deputy] will have to answer for what appeared in the publication] " said the minister, on FOX Report. He said "they have to support where the funds vame from” to purchase the apartments.

“I do not know the personal situation of each Member,” said De Lima. The minister also said that it was not known whether the deputies have to make an affidavit, when entering and leaving office .