Corruption chief questioned on personal use of state resources

MEMBERS of civil society and politician questioned today the use of state resources for personal use by the Secretariat of the National Council of Transparency Against Corruption.

Abigaíl Benzadón posted a note on the agency's web site from the secretary general of the Latin American University of Science and Technology (Ulacit) that stated: "Abigaí¬l Benzadón completed successfully all subjects of the curriculum…and is currently waiting for the allocation of a date for supporting the thesis."

It also included a note that Benzadón qualified for the student honor society.
Politicians and members of civil society have questioned the way Benzadón has handled the situation.
The president of the Association of Business Executives (Apede) Roberto Troncoso said placing personal documents on the web site is incorrect. In his view, that does not benefit citizens.
Troncoso said that citizens expect officials who are appointed to positions have the appropriate qualifications.
Magaly Castillo, of the Alianza Ciudadana Pro Justicia, said that it is correct for biographical information to be posted, but clearly not for memos from universities.
"The person who holds an office of such magnitude must have a certain level of education, since there are people who have qualifications and have not been able to get a job," Castillo said.
Castillo said that this action sends a bad message to the citizens: "that a person is occupying a position like that and doesn't even have a college degree."
Legislator José Luis Varela said Benzadón's actions are completely disrespectful. He said it makes no sense whatsoever to publish that information.
Under the regulations proposing the creation of the National Authority on Transparency, the qualifications for the position of director does not include a college degree, only that the person be Panamanian and older than 35.
Benzadón said on a talk show on Sunday, April 28 that there has been independence in the creation of the authority.
In terms of requirements and the level of education that the person should have to lead the agency, Benzadón replied: "It is not so much the level of education, but the level of moral and ethical principle that the person has. Not anyone can handle the issue of transparency."
Benzadón said that the on the job experience over the last two years is more valuable than any course.