Bill proposes new anti-corruption czar

A new National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information, to replace the Secretariat of Transparency Against Corruption, would consider public or anonymous complaints against administrative institutions.

It aims to "identify the effect of committing acts that can be considered acts of corruption. "
A draft bill that seeking to create the creation of the new entity, would be headed by a director, with a seven years tenure, and a salary similar to that of a minister of state ($ 7000 per month).
The document, is to be submitted soon to the National Assembly by the Minister of the Presidency, Roberto Henriquez,.The new body will issue statistics, evaluations and periodic reports and enforce transparency.
It will also be able to order, the dismissal of an official who directly or through a third person prevents, obstructs or delays the completion of an investigation into corruption.
It will also have the power to fine an officer who fails to provide information pursuant to Act 22 January 2002 Transparency. The penalty would be 50% he individual’s monthly salary. The agency will coordinate and facilitate stakeholders requests for access to public information, when there has been no response to a request.
The body will advise also the Executive Body on public policy in the fight against corruption to "ensure an efficient public management, effective and transparent."
The director of this new entity must meet certain requirements. Among them: be a Panamanian citizen, be at least 35 years of age, be in full enjoyment of civil and political rights, be of good character and recognized prestige, and not enrolled in any political party.
The director will be considered a "high authority of the national state", and internationally will have the title of "Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Panama."