Comptroller files complaints on lawmaker scams

The obstruction tactics of the National Assembly to block the auditing of lawmakers’   expenditure reports have not stopped Panama’s comptroller from moving on the first cases of “irregular” handling of funds.

On Thursday, June  28, while thousands of citizens were watching the live transmission of the Ricardo Martinelli wiretapping circus, Comptroller  Federico Humbert presented the Public Ministry with the first complaints about the alleged mishandling of funds in the National Assembly, through reporting mechanisms.

After visiting the Public Ministry he went to the Supreme Court (CSJ) with other complaints.

“As is proper in  understanding that in the cases of poor fund management is not only the official but also the recipient  who lends himself to the scheme we present today

With inadequate handling that we have in the forms and donations in the Assembly, “said Humbert.

The official was accompanied by several lawyers, including ex-judge Edgardo Molino Mola.

He said he talked with Attorney General  Kenia Porcell to explain that the process will now be faster due to the fact that they will present punctual audits “of each suspect

Earlier this month, Humbert laid bare the way in which deputies of the Assembly squandered public funds including  “Botellas”, and a family that worked in Carnival on February 29-31 and received 151 checks for $146,000.