Sick Martinelli presides at tax reform meeting

President Ricardo Martinelli has a fever and flu symptoms, and had to cancel attendance at three events on his return to Panama.

He was reported to have arrived ill from Mexico where he attended the Rio summit for two days.
It was hinted that he would not preside over the Cabinet Council but sources in the Palace of Herons confirmed that Martinelli was in charge of the meeting of ministers to approve tax reforms which include increasing sales tax to from five to seven percent.