Panama Government Questions High Salaries for Unachi and Closes the Door to New Funds
According to Chapman pictured below, some salaries at Unachi are up to 70% higher than at other public universities and central government entities, which necessitates a review of its budget.
“Not a single cent more will go to that university from my administration.” With that statement, President José Raúl Mulino hardened his stance on Thursday, May 28, regarding the crisis surrounding the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) and its rector, Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas, whom he blamed for the “enormous damage” that, according to him, the educational institution is facing. The presidential warning was accompanied by questions from Minister Chapman, who asserted that Unachi maintains the highest average salary in the entire central government.
The rector of Unachi above left, Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas, and the president of the republic above right, José Raúl Mulino.
Who are the Unachi Leadership that Keeps the Rector in Power?
Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas reversed her position and is now clinging to the position of rector of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi), despite having previously communicated her resignation to the Ministry of Education (Meduca) on May 11. It was precisely this university body that met yesterday, Wednesday, and approved, with 29 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and three against, a proposal for the rector to remain in her position. The decision defies the position of the Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, who informed the body that the rector submitted her resignation letter on May 11, effective June 11.
The General University Council of Unachi —dominated largely by figures close to the rector— also closed ranks to support her in the position she resigned from on May 11.
Checks Drawn from an Unachi Account gets Two People Arrested for Money Laundering
A series of raids carried out by personnel from the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office in the district of 24 de Diciembre, Panama province, led to the arrest of two people under investigation for the alleged commission of financial crimes, money laundering and falsification of documents, to the detriment of the National Bank of Panama, through checks drawn from an account of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi). In that regard, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigations to verify the traceability of the funds and determine the location of all the people who allegedly received part of the money.
The investigation began in 2025 after the detection of checks deposited in the National Bank of Panama, which came from an account of Unachi.
