OPINION:  Closing an impunity bolt hole

“As it is, it is not working. It is an organ that costs countries a lot of money to have [only]recommendations. My proposal goes further, ” said Alejandro Giammattei, elected president of Guatemala, referring to the Central American Parliament (Parlacen). The politician does not rule out leaving the regional organization if reforms are not made so that their decisions are binding in each country, that is, they are incorporated as laws. It is the most sensible thing that can be done with an inoperative, expensive organization – because nothing comes from it that is mandatory – and, in the case of Panama, it has only served and serves as a den for politicians with accounts to adjust with Justice. Between the Parlacen and the magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice, these subjects have mocked the law. Although it had its beginnings as an integrationist entity, in practice it has been a resounding failure. It is the excuse for politicians to receive money from the State without earning it; to do tourism; to seek immunity, but, in no case, for the country to benefit from its existence. Panama must adhere to the proposal of the elected governor of Guatemala, and if there is no consensus on what is being proposed, our country must seek the legal mechanisms to renounce it. It is already good that those who seek not to be prosecuted in Panama are sheltered under the broad blanket of immunity they obtain by being members of the Parlacen, even before being sworn to take office. in no case, so that the country benefits from its existence. Panama must adhere to the proposal of the elected governor of Guatemala, and if there is no consensus on what is being proposed, our country must seek the legal mechanisms to renounce it- LA PRENSA, Aug 18