OPINION; Corruption and impunity

The Minister of Housing and Land Management filed three criminal complaints before the Public Ministry to investigate the alleged commission of crimes against the assets of the State, in the programs Roofs of Hope and Basic Health, developed by the previous administration. On the other hand, in an operation of the Mayor’s Office of Panama and the National Police, it was possible to arrest the alleged members of a network of municipal officials and ex-servants who were dedicated to fraud.

 These are examples of what the authorities should do. State servants must understand that it is their obligation to inform the authority of the alleged commission of crimes, especially if they are public funds. This action is not political persecution or a waste of time. Conversely, It is the manifestation of the real commitment to the fight against corruption. It is a pity that after each government this is the common spectacle. If accountability is lacking, and the certainty of punishment by full and efficient courts is absent, there is no possible future for our democracy. Corruption and impunity are the worst poisons of the social body.- LA PRENSA. Oct.1