Ombudspersons case to Supreme Court

Patria Portugal, Panama’s embattled Ombudsperson faces a new challenge to her attempt to hang on to her job.

NEXT WEEK the Attorney General will ask the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court, to convene a hearing to allocate charges for alleged crimes against the public administration after the granting of, allegedly irregular contracts worth $450 000.

The information was confirmed by the office of Attorney General Ana Belfon.
The hearing will be conducted in the presence of the investigating judge assigned to this case, Judge Jose Ayu Prado, who after evaluating the arguments of the Attorney General, will decide whether or not bringing charges against Portugal.
Another contract kept secret
Menwhile Portugal continues to deny new revelations. She said Friday, July 19 that "at no time have I withheld information on any contract." The reaction came after La Prensa published that Portugal kept secret other direct contract awarded to Imaginarium Studio, SA, for $ 299,000, to track work in 2012 [counseling on the agency’s web sitet], for which $ 250,000. had already been paid.
Last week, during her appearance at the National Assembly, Portugal failed to mention the consulting contract 11-2013, which had been endorsed without any problems by the Comptroller General. However, in early May, a few days before La Prensa revealed details of the first transaction, the deal was suddenly canceled.
In this regard, Portugal said that the contract "never had legal life", so there were no outlays. She said that the decision to terminate the contract was because it was decded that the staff of the institution was able to follow up the work done by the consultant.
Legislator n Leandro Avila, a member of the Credentials Committee, which has five days from Monday to decide Portugal’s future  said he is already clear on the status of the contracts made by the entity for defending the human rights of Panamanians, "Especially when, once again a new contract comes to light" he said.

"The people are clear, but we are awaiting the ruling party’s opinion, because they have the majority in the Committee on Credentials" he said.
Representative Jose Luis Varela, Panameñista said it was a nerve that Portugal had concealed another contract during her appearance before the National Assembly. Portugal should resign or be sacked this week, he said.