Former PAN director faces off-key music

FORMER NATIONAL Assistance Program (PAN) Director Rafael Guardia Jaen, already facing multiple charges of embezzlement and corruption during his two years in office, faced another round of questioning on Friday, Nov. 13, 

This time he had to explain  irregularities in the purchase of musical instruments by the program during his tenure.

According to his lawyer, Víctor Orobio, his client said that he was “simply fulfilling my mandate” in purchasing the equipment.

He said the instruments were requested by the Ministry of Education during the Government of Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014).

“Rafael Guardia was someone who was carrying out an errand,” Orobio said. “He was given specifications, the quantity, the price, the company and the money,”reports La Prensa.

He said those specifications were provided by the ministry.

“Guardia Jaén acted in good faith and did not see any irregularity [in the agreement],” said the lawyer.

PAN funds were used to buy 3,450 musical instruments at a cost of $12 million. Schools reported that they were low quality instruments made in China, but that was not reflected in the price paid by PAN.