Panama-David Train and Other Projects and How the $246.5 Million from the Presidency will be Distributed in 2027.

The Presidential Palace, or Ministry of the Presidency, from where President José Raúl Mulino governs, will have a budget of $246,499,396 in 2027, according to the project that the National Budget Directorate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) presented to the National Assembly.  $176,499,396 will be for operations (salaries, services and current purchases) and $70,000,000 for investments. 

Of the operating budget, two entities account for the largest share: the Institutional Protection Service (SPI), which will receive $73,658,370 (41.7%), and the Executive Directorate of the State, the administrative core of the Presidency, which will receive $54,315,863 (30.8%). Together, they total $127,974,233, or 72.5% of the total.  The other 27 departments, secretariats, directorates and offices that make up the portfolio share the remaining 27.5%, $48,525,163. 

The National Council for Sustainable Development (Conades) was allocated $11,199,954, while Public Relations will have $10,436,188, of which $8,088,681 corresponds only to the promotion and advertising category.  Third on the list is the National Defense and Security Council, with $8,307,996. 

$70 Million for Renovations, Railroad, and Water.

Five categories account for the $70,000,000 that will go to investment.  Facilities and Equipment Improvements receives $29,150,000, the largest allocation. Within this amount, $11,000,000 strengthens the Social Assistance Program, $10,000,000 funds logistical support projects for the Presidential Palace, and $7,650,000 goes toward building restorations and renovations.  While $4,400,000 will be allocated to rehabilitate facilities in Quarry Heights, the specific project is not mentioned. However, the President’s office has on its agenda the renovation of the diplomatic villa, a historic wooden mansion located in that very area. It formerly served as the residence for the heads of the U.S. Southern Command.  The project was awarded to Construction Management Group Inc. (CMG) at a cost of $7.1 million. 

Residents of Quarry Heights remember the parties that officials and their associates held at the state-owned residence during the administration of former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009–2014).

The draft budget also allocates $1,500,000 for the restoration of buildings belonging to the Ministry of the Presidency. According to the document, this funding will be distributed as follows: $1,000,000 for the SPI building in Corozal Este and another $750,000 for properties belonging to the National Security Council.  Rural Electrification will receive $14,011,000. The majority, $6,200,000, comes from external credit and pays for the construction of electrical metering system lines in various provinces and regions of the country.  Another $6,763,500 finances smart mini electrical grids and the My First Light program in communities in the Guna Yala and Wargandí regions.  Conades will execute $12,350,000 in physical works, financed entirely with funds from the Panama Canal. 

President José Raúl Mulino and First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino at the election of the new Board of Directors of the National Assembly 2026-2027. 

While another $2,145,000 will fund assistance programs for vulnerable groups, including the Love on Wheels Clinic and support for the biocommunity.  Meanwhile, $480,000 will be used to convert the former Apostolic Nunciature into a senior citizens’ home. An additional $159,400 will support the Women’s Smile subsidy program.

Panama-David Train.

Institutional Strengthening and Modernization receives $10,000,000, entirely for the Panama-David-Border railway project, under the responsibility of the National Railway Secretariat.  This project is managed by the National Railway Secretariat, headed by Henry Faarup Mauad.  This project was presented as one of Mulino’s flagship projects. In two years in office, this administration has committed nearly $10 million to consulting and studies for the train.  The central government contributes $40,284,500 of those $70,000,000, that is, 57.5%.  The remainder will come from investment funds from the Panama Canal Authority ($12,350,000), institutional resources ($11,165,500) and external credit ($6,200,000).