OFF THE CUFF: Re-opening the My First Job can

IN THE LIGHT of the scores of millions of dollars under investigation for “irregularities” in different entities of the Martinelli administration $950,000 could be called small potatoes, or peanuts depending on your taste but not for Panama’ current Ministry of Labor.
Through lawyer Víctor Luis Castillo, it has called for the reopening of the investigation into the ‘Mi Primer Empleo’ (My First Job) program run by former Minister Alma Cortés.
The initial investigation was prompted by an audit ordered by former Comptroller Gioconda Torres de Bianchini that detected irregularities in the employment program.
The audit found that unqualified staff were hired and money was paid to lease space that was never used, for the program as the workshops were held in public schools. Then Second Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Lizzett Chevalier found that there was no evidence of the alleged anomalies, and the case was dismissed. Chevalier is one of the prosecutors recently let go by the Attorney General).
Ministry official Samuel Riverak reported that the case should be reopened because further irregularities have been found. He said new audits have determined that people over 29 years of age were enrolled in the program, a violation of its regulations.
“We have found sufficient elements which can be taken to a judge for the reopening of the case.” he said.The irregularities total. $950,000
Rivera said there is also evidence that family members of Cortés had relationships with the companies that were awarded contracts for the program. One of these companies, Servicios de Gestiones y Consultorías Especializadas, had Cortés’ sister as its registered agent. It received contracts totaling $327,000.
Cortés, who had thought she was off the hook after the initial audit downplayed the request, saying the matter has already been investigated with no finding of any wrongdoing.
“I only ask that Constitutional guarantees are respected,” she said. “I do not think that there is any irregularity or crime.” Reports La Prensa. At least she didn’t cry “political persecution” like many others suspected of dipping too deeply into the cookie jar.
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