Probe into abuse of aid for poor program

Public Ministry officials have opened an investigation into the alleged irregular use of “Panama Solidarity”  food vouchers intended for use by the country’s most disadvantaged.

According to a  Ministry Twitter account, the investigation began after the circulation on social networks of a video where a man is seen shopping in a Colon supermarket.

The case will be handled by the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office.

The vouchers were created along with bags of food for Panamanians with limited economic resources who have been affected by the coronavirus crisis.

According to the authorities, each person will receive $80 in bonds to be used in the purchase of food and medicine.

In the video, a purchase was allegedly made in a store for an amount greater than $80.

Earlier in the week President Cortizo warned that anyone employee found abusing the program would be fired and prosecuted.