Turncoat deputies reap assistance program benefits

A Panama government program to replace a corruption ridden entity has spent millions on programs for turncoat deputies and mayors who humped to the governing party  after the 2009 election.

The National Assistance Program (NAP), that was brought in by the Martinelli government in July 2010 to replace the Social Investment Fund (FIS) linked to corruption scandals, has managed a budget of $366.2 million between 2011 and mid 2012.

This was revealed by a report from the Presidency which has been seen by La Prensa. In 2011 the budget which was increased by additional appropriations and transfers of items was $225.4 million. And from January to July 2012, the entity under the Presidency has spent $140.8 million.
The opposition claims that these increases in the budget are given just as 28 deputies, 19 mayors and 171 representatives of the PRD, Panameñista, and Molirena jumped to the ruling Democratic Change (CD).
CD is the party founded, funded and led by President Ricardo Martinelli, who promised to eliminate the FIS program as a "source of corruption".
Millions of dollars spent by the PAN this year says La Prensa have been in areas led by turncoat deputies like Jose Maria Herrera, Miguel Fanovich, Osman Gomez, Nelson Jackson and Abelardo Antonio.
It also handed out funds for of bicycles, food bags and coffins.
Across the country , the government can get quick answers because their works are tendered: simply asking for three quotes-by-invitation and then awarding the contract, says La Prensa.
The current director of PAN, Rafael Guard, and his predecessor Giacomo Tamburrelli declined to comment when asked.