Fate of high spending Ombudsperson hangs in the balance

THE FATE of Panama’s Ombudsperson, Patria Portugal will be decided within five days of appearing before the Credentials Committee of the National Assembly.

The Assembly’s Board of Directors has asked Portugal to appear for a second time to answer more questions about cost overruns in her office including $250,000 for a web site design,by a politically connected young start-up businessman ,  a $200,000 training program, a $3000 sofa, a $150 letter opener a $150 pen and $200 hats. She also faces questions about moving her office to an address with an annual rental of $ 634 809. 

A meeting on Wednesday July 17 was attended by National Assembly President Sergio Gálvez along with other high-ranking officials.