Assembly calls Ombudsperson to explain contracts

THE PLENARY of the National Assembly agreed on Monday July 8 to summon Ombudsperson Patria Portugal to a hearing Thursday to explain controversial contracts issued by the agency.

The decision was taken unanimously.

The proposal was submitted by CD Legislator Augustin Sellhorn, who developed a list of questions for the official reports La Prensa
"We are going to send the questionnaire to Portugal so that she knows what we are going to ask," he said.
Among the questions are ones that ask for details about the authorization of the contracts, which included $250,000 to redesign the agency's web site and $200,000 on customer service training.
Panameñista Deputy José Luis Varela sought to also include Comptroller ioconda de Bianchini, since she endorsed thee contracts. The motion was rejected by the CD majority.