Transparency boss hits back at critics

THE DIRECTOR of the National Authority of Transparency and Access to Information (Antai), has responded to social media attacks from her predecessor about her travels abroad.

Claiming  she was on  “official missions” Angelica Maytín  told La Prensa she is “the victim of unjustified attacks.”

She said  that Law 33 of April 25, 2013, which created the Antai, says there is an  the obligation to follow the conventions of the  Anti-Corruption Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations, along with other issues such as open government.

“We must  meetings convened by such bodies and  present compliance reports. We learn about good practices carried out in other countries, to adopt them in Panama and to generate contacts to help us facilitate processes such as asset recovery and more  “Maytín told La Prensa.

“Failure to attend, follow-up meetings, conventions or other similar events for fear of criticism would be irresponsible,” she said, speaking from Russia where she is now.

“On this trip four traveled, two from. the Antai one anti-corruption prosecutor and the Director of Public Procurement to evaluate issues relevant to these institutions.

”The OAS meetings are held at its headquarters in Washington DC the United Nations meetings are held in Vienna, and other cities, so now I’m in St. Petersburg. “.

She said  that Antai is a member of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA). and on October, was nominated and accepted by acclamation to serve on the Executive Committee, consisting of 22 members.

“Only three represent Latin America and I am the only woman on the committee.

Maytín with  her  trip to Russia has completed seven official missions in 10 months in office.

“I declined seven trips and delegated-five I only attend meetings in which it is essential that the ultimate authority participates “she said.

She  also threw darts at her critics. Pointing out that the Antai and publishes  each trip on its website , something not done by her predecessors.

“…We even  publish trip reports that the Transparency Law does not call for.

”Every three months we make an act of accountability of our management, we carry out more than 200 investigations,and  more than 20 waivers of  nepotism., Before the Antai did  just 50 cases in a year.

She  warned that she will still travel.”Failure to attend conventions  for fear of criticism, would be irresponsible. That’s one of my duties

According to Maytin, the results of her management trips  are “obvious” and that organizations she visits  finance Antai programs.”We have two programs funded by these agencies”.

Travel miles are accumulated for use by other officials who need to use them. “Previous  government officials accumulated miles and used them for private travel or for their families, “she said.

The former director of Antai, Benzadón Abigail, and Panameñista  Jorge Gamboa Arosemena have used the social network  in recent days to criticize  trips made by  Maytín.