25 civil groups demand ombudspersons resignation
MILTON HENRIQUEZ leader of Panama’s Popular Party, has joined the growing chorus of condemnation of the country’s ombudsperson, Patria Portugal.
On Tuesday, July 2, 25 civil society groups demanded her resignation, one month after they got to know details of a $250,000 contract for the design of a website and logo.
Since then there have been more revelations of big spending sprees and Portugal is to appear before the National Assembly to defend herself.
"We did not create the Ombudsperson for this," said Henriquez on Wednesday July 3 on TVN Noticias.
"We did not create an institution to be the subject of scandals, but to avoid these situations by seeking good public service," he said. "It is a shame what is happening in the state."
He said that the Ombudsperson should be an institution to serve the people. but it seems that it is for unjust enrichment.
“The Ombudsman’s office is not an entity to have fancy cars or computer systems costing 10 times what they are worth,” he said.