OFF THE CUFF: Varelas discretionary spending challenged

THE CITIZEN’S Alliance for Justice  has joined the growing chorus of complaints about the  distribution of discretionary funds by President Juan Carlos Varela.

On Friday, the body composed of multiple civil groups called for more regulation in the use of funds assigned to the president.

“In 2004 discretionary spending was made public, but itseems that this was not enough and it is necessary to

approve a regulation that avoids excesses, waste and abuse of these resources,” the group said.

The group also asked non-profit organizations, educational centers and religious groups who

receive money from the discretionary fund to publish details on their respective websites.

“It is unacceptable that organizations receive public funds but are not accountable for their use,” the statement said.

Questions have arisen due to spending of the funds on medical expenses for political figures and well paid government  officials who have not bothered to purchase health insurance but do not want to use Social Security or Ministry of Health hospitals.

During the first quarter of this year, the Presidency of the Republic spent $3.7 million under this , reports La Prensa