Controversy Over Buses with Mayor Stefany Peñalba’s Photo: Electoral Prosecutor’s Office Inspects Arraiján Municipality
This week, the mayor of Arraiján, Stefany Peñalba, launched a “free transportation” service for students in the district. However, the coaster-type buses used in the program are labeled with her name and photograph.
The Fiscalía General Electoral (FGE) of Panama has initiated an inspection of the Municipality of Arraiján following controversy regarding the use of the Mayor Stefany Peñalba’s name and photo on municipal buses.
- The Context: The buses, described as “coaster” type, are part of a new, free “colegial” transportation program for students launched by Mayor Peñalba.
- The Controversy: The vehicles are prominently branded with her image, featuring a picture of the mayor with students on the side and the text “Alcaldesa Stefany Peñalba” on the driver’s door. Critics suggest this represents the use of public resources for political promotion.
- The Investigation: On April 25, 2026, the Fiscalía Electoral carried out a formal inspection of the municipality due to suspicions of using state resources for personal branding, a move that prompted debate in the region.
- Response: Mayor Peñalba replied to the controversy via social media with the comment “siempre con el BOCHINCHE” (always with the fuss/gossip), without offering extensive details, according to local reports.
The Electoral Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) carried out an investigation Friday in the Municipality of Arraiján, due to suspicions of the use of state resources for political purposes. The investigation was launched to determine if the branding of these buses violates electoral regulations against using public funds for political campaigning. On one side of the vehicles, the image of Mayor Peñalba accompanied by two students can be seen, while on the driver’s door appears the legend: “Mayor Stefany Peñalba”.
