MEDIA WATCH: A flock awaiting orders

Hoyporhoy: La Prensa, May 1

THE LEGISLATURE, by constitutional mandate, exerts essential functions to ensure the balance of the Panamanian state government, but the deputies with few exceptions do not seem to be aware of that.

Their role is pathetic, because having the power to monitor, challenge and, especially, to legislate, they are content to be the silent arm of the executive, which has been shown to control the legislative agenda.

So, everything that is sent by the Authority is approved without further processing. Sometimes not even showing the slightest curiosity of what they approve. Figures do not lie, half of the projects presented in plenary are initiated by the executive.

It is unfortunate to recognize that the alleged representatives of the people have become a flock that does nothing but obey, waiting for instructions even if what they are asked approve goes against not only their constituents, but their own principles.

It shows that they have given up their obligation to legislate and although the Assembly has been less submissive than the previous five years, Panamanians demand an independent legislative body to regain its dignity and the respect of society.