Panama’s Ricardo Lombana Requests the Resignation of the Representative from Ancón to MOCA
The president of MOCA, Ricardo Lombana, recalled that an expulsion process from the group is ongoing against the representative of Ancón, Yamireth Batista.
The president of the Another Way Movement (MOCA), Ricardo Lombana, reacted to the recent raid carried out by the authorities at the Ancón Community Board, for alleged misuse of public funds and workplace harassment, which has put the representative, Yamireth Batista, in the eye of the storm. Lombana noted that there is already an expulsion process underway against the official; however he requested Representative Batista’s resignation from the party.
“Our party is carrying out an expulsion process, which should be resolved in the coming days. However, Ms. Batista can facilitate matters by submitting her resignation from the party. Since the community alerted us to the irregularities, we have initiated an internal process,” he wrote in X.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out an investigation at the Ancón Community Board, following complaints from former officials against the current representative, for alleged workplace harassment, and use of public resources for personal matters, such as repairs to her residence and the celebration of a party. “MOCA will not tolerate, from any of its elected authorities, actions contrary to the law and that go against the principles promoted by our organization,” Lombana warned.
Prosecutor’s Office on the Trail
Anti-corruption prosecutor Adela Cedeño confirmed that three complaints have been filed for alleged embezzlement against Representative Yamireth Batista pictured below, of the Another Way Movement (MOCA), for the irregular use and acquisition of state assets in the Community Board she leads.
“Proceedings were carried out at the representative’s residence and here at the Community Board,” said prosecutor Cedeño during the proceedings.
The prosecutor’s office declined to specify the potential amount of the alleged financial loss under investigation. Meanwhile, the Ancón Community Board issued a brief statement indicating that they had not been formally notified of the reasons for the criminal investigation. “All information on the projects and programs carried out by the Community Board was made available to the authorities, and these are reported periodically to the community to ensure transparency,” the entity stated.
