The Cortizo Administration and Its Legacy; Insider Corruption; "Butt-Kissing" Advisors; Incompetence; Indifference; etc.

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OPINION: Change but no change

Posted 25/06/2020

What has changed with the new appointments announced yesterday by the President? On the one hand, it strengthened partisan operators in its work team. The appointments of two vice ministers as heads of their respective portfolios and the daughter of a party patriarch continue to clearly reflect the internal divisiveness of the PRD.

On the other hand, it leaves a taste of more of the same, rather than a tiller turn. The replacement of Turner - the most respected minister, but whose departure was inevitable after the fiasco of the call for a meeting of her party at a local restaurant - with her deputy minister emphasizes the continuity of health policies and strategy of the Government against the pandemic.

But, above all, the most questioned ministers remained in their portfolios. It remains to be seen which side the new team members will fold to.

 Time will allow evaluating the management of the new ministers, but everything seems to indicate that the more things change, the more they remain the same. LA PRENSA, June 25

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-change-but-no-change

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Health Minister ousted in cabinet shuffle

Rosario Turner paid the price for gaffe

Posted 25/06/2020

Rosario Turner the most who led the team fighting the coronavirus pandemic for more than 100 days and was the most widely respected minister in the cabinet of President Laurentino   Cortizo was ousted as Health Minister on Wednesday, June 24 following a political gaffe last week.

Turner was replaced by Luis Francisco Sucre, who until Wednesday served as vice minister of the portfolio.

"The country has an unpayable debt to Dr. Rosario Tuner, under whose leadership we faced with determination and courage the fight against this dark pandemic (...)," said Cortizo when he announced Turner's departure.

In recent days, Turner was criticized because as a PRD executive, he signed the resolution that called the deputies of that party to a meeting in a restaurant in the midst of quarantine.

Luis Francisco Sucre, the new Minister, gave some hints of his  management in the top spot: " The strategies will vary as time goes by, and we will have to evaluate the behavior of the pandemic and of society.”

He said that not only are businessmen uneasy about the crisis. " Ordinary people t are concerned, Panamanians who need to get out of their house, who have to go to work," he said after praising Turner's strategy in the fight against Covid-19.

The last public appearance of Turner as Minister of Health was in the Budget Commission of the National Assembly, on Wednesday to support transfers of items for $20.4 million to deal with issues related to the pandemic. Part of the money will be used to pay back wages of health personnel, and for food for patients and collaborators of the Luis Chicho Fábrega Hospital, in Santiago de Veraguas.

Several deputies, among them Yanibel Ábrego, of Cambio Democrático (vice-president of the commission) praised her work. They congratulated her on her role in the fight against Covid-19, and without any questions, gave the go-ahead to the millions.

OTHER FLIPS

There was also a change of helm in the Ministry of Social Development: Markova Concepción was replaced by María Inés Castillo, daughter of the former deputy of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Elías Castillo, now an Assembly advisor

Concepción becomes Panama's ambassador to the United Nations.

The Minister of Housing and Land Management. Inés Samudio was  also shown the door and  replaced by Rogelio Paredes, who was serving as Deputy Minister

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/health-minister-ousted-in-cabinet-shuffle

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Se disuelve Comité Asesor creado por Turner; médicos tienen un nuevo rol

El nuevo ministro de Salud, Luis Francisco Sucre, se reunió ayer por más de dos horas con el equipo de médicos en la sede de la entidad y les asignó tareas específicas.

 

Ohigginis Arcia Jaramillo

27 jun 2020 - 12:00 AM

Se trabaja para reforzar las acciones a fin de controlar el virus. Tomado de MINSAPma

 

El Comité Médico Asesor creado a principios de la pandemia por la entonces ministra de Salud, Rosario Tuner, se vio ayer la cara por primera vez con el nuevo titular de esa cartera, Luis Francisco Sucre.

Sucre lo convocó a una reunión en la sede del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa) y, durante el encuentro, se decidió disolver el Comité Asesor y asignar funciones específicas a los médicos, entre ellos, Xavier Sáez-Llorens, Rodrigo DeAntonio, Julio Sandoval, Reynaldo Chandler, Jorge Luis Prosperi y Javier Nieto.

En el encuentro también estuvieron Enrique Lau Cortés, director de la Caja de Seguro Social, y Eyra Ruiz, ministra consejera de Salud, quienes, a su vez, integran el Consejo Consultivo de Salud conformado por la Presidencia de la República luego de la salida de Turner.

Lau Cortés subrayó que se les explicó a los médicos el alcance del nuevo Consejo Consultivo para evitar dualidad de funciones y se crearon “comisiones de trabajo” con tareas puntuales para los especialistas.

Por su parte, Sáez-Llorens calificó la reunión como “productiva y cordial”. “Disolvimos el grupo asesor y reestructuramos nuestros roles para dar aportes en áreas temáticas específicas”, detalló el pediatra infectólogo, quien agregó que en su caso tendrá que aportar en la investigación de vacunas.

El Minsa informó que el encuentro tuvo como fin “definir” y “coordinar” las estrategias para colaborar con el Consejo Consultivo de Salud en la rendición de informes al mandatario Laurentino Cortizo.

Las nuevas asignaciones

Julio Sandoval tendrá que ver temas relacionados con la capacidad hospitalaria; Jorge Luis Prosperi, con la trazabilidad de los casos; Xavier Sáez-Llorens, con la investigación de vacunas, y Juan Pascale, con la temática de las pruebas.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Advisory Committee created by Turner is dissolved; doctors have a new role

The new health minister, Luis Francisco Sucre, met yesterday for more than two hours with the team of doctors at the entity's headquarters and assigned them specific tasks.

Ohigginis Arcia Jaramillo
Jun 27, 2020 - 12:00 AM

<<ITYM3O7JKFGD7LVOUB2UN7D3UI.jpg>>
Work is done to reinforce actions to control the virus. Taken from MINSAPma

The Medical Advisory Committee created at the beginning of the pandemic by the then Minister of Health, Rosario Tuner, yesterday saw the face for the first time with the new head of that portfolio, Luis Francisco Sucre.

Sucre called him to a meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and, during the meeting, it was decided to dissolve the Advisory Committee and assign specific functions to doctors, including Xavier Sáez-Llorens, Rodrigo DeAntonio, Julio Sandoval, Reynaldo Chandler, Jorge Luis Prosperi and Javier Nieto.

The meeting was also attended by Enrique Lau Cortés, director of the Social Security Fund, and Eyra Ruiz, minister counselor of Health, who, in turn, make up the Health Advisory Council formed by the Presidency of the Republic after the departure of Turner.

Lau Cortés stressed that the scope of the new Consultative Council to avoid dual functions was explained to doctors and that "work commissions" were created with specific tasks for specialists.

For his part, Sáez-Llorens described the meeting as "productive and cordial." "We dissolved the advisory group and restructured our roles to give contributions in specific thematic areas," said the infectious pediatrician, who added that in his case he will have to contribute to vaccine research.

The Ministry reported that the purpose of the meeting was to "define" and "coordinate" the strategies to collaborate with the Advisory Health Council in reporting to President Laurentino Cortizo.

The new assignments

Julio Sandoval will have to see topics related to hospital capacity; Jorge Luis Prosperi, with the traceability of the cases; Xavier Sáez-Llorens, with the investigation of vaccines, and Juan Pascale, with the subject of the tests.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/se-disuelve-comite-asesor-creado-por-turner-medicos-tienen-un-nuevo-rol/

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OPINION - Pandemic chivalry

Rosario Turner

Posted 27/06/2020

With the sudden change of leadership in the Ministry of Health and the creation of an advisory commission at the presidential level, the technical scientific work of the advisory committee that supported the management of the former Minister of Health ceased. That is a political decision, which in no way should ignore the work done and the experience gained during almost four months of fighting the pandemic. It would be highly responsible to continue the advice and scientific analysis ad honorem that the members of that ministerial group shared. The mere presence of any of them guarantees transparency and favors the continuity of successful efforts. It would be a chivalrous act and a gesture of high politics that the ex-minister be invited to join the new presidential committee. The situation we face as a country requires extraordinary measures, including the sacrifices of political vanity and the distancing of vested interests. If a patient needs life-and-death medical care, they will seek out the best doctors, not their friends or favorites. Panama needs the maximum attention from the best talents.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-pandemic-chivalry

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Family compacts grow with cabinet oustings

Posted 28/06/2020

The ousting of Rosario Turner as Minister of Health and her replacement by her deputy minister has led  to the creation of new family compacts within the ruling administration which, like its predecessors had promised change and accountability.

The public sector seems to be the most important employer in the country and sticky-fingered politicians do not sit idly by. While   unemployment grows amid the coronavirus pandemic and  scores of thousands of private-sector workers with suspended contracts struggle to feed their families, lawmakers ensure that emoluments within the hallowed National Assembly continue to grow and over 200 mayors and other elected officials practice  double-dipping – drawing tax-payer funded  fat paychecks from two sources,

With the departure of three female ministers from the  Cortizo Government Rosario Turner of Health, Markova Concepción, of Social Development and Inés Samudio del Mivi, there were families who were well-suited to the PRD who were well-positioned in public positions and salaries.

It turns out that the new Minister of Health, Luis Fernando Sucre, who was the deputy minister of Turner, has a  brother, Javier Sucre on deputy circuit 8-8 and their sister Imelda Sucre is the representative of the district of Juan Díaz.

Imelda Sucre was the substitute for Javier Sucre, but since he ran for two positions (deputy and representative), the law obliges him to occupy one and his sister was in charge of the Communal Board.

The Supreme Court of 

Justice has declared that running for two positions of popular election is not unconstitutional, but the Electoral Court in its proposal for electoral reforms seeks to change  that.

The monthly salary of the three siblings  in the PRD government must exceed $20,000

But the Sucres are not the only ones within the PRD, with  access to the power circle. The family of former deputy Elías Castillo is not far behind reports Mi Diario.  

It turns out that Omar Castillo , son of the also former director of the Panama Canal is the current deputy Deputy for Javier Sucre and his sister María Inés Castillo, recently appointed by President Cortizo as the new Minister of Social Development.

Minister Castillo's salary must exceeds $7,000 a month and her brother as a substitute has a fixed salary in the National Assembly.

This shows that the country requires constitutional and legal reforms to prevent public management from becoming a family farm

Meanwhile former President Martín Torrijos  (2004 -2009) joined other  voices of the PRD  praising  the work done by the former Minister of Health.

" I am a Panamanian who admires her  vocation for service, her  inspiring leadership, her  ability to be a guide and example, even in the midst of the storm,”  Torrijos said on his Facebook account.

Torrijos said that he joins the citizens who thank the former minister for her sacrifice, her dedication and her love for the country.

Meanwhile Benicio Robinson  who has tapped on the door  of  the political Alibaba’s  cave with $600 baseball bats, is asking PRD  members to keep their rumblings to themselves.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/family-compacts-grow-with-cabinet-oustings

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The "no untouchables" promise

Posted 30/06/2020

On July 1, 2019, the newly released President of the Republic promised the country an era of good government, fight against corruption and management of the State focused on eradicating the "sixth border" of poverty and inequality. The first half of the government year was abducted by disputes and conflicts within the National Assembly and between this body and the Executive power. After this, Panama fell into the clutches of the pandemic. The government's response to the health crisis demonstrated Cortizo's best instincts and the worst vices of his government team. In just one year, six ministers of state have resigned or left their offices, and countless scandals and controversies have marked the path of the rugged mandate. "There will be no untouchables ...", It was a hopeful phrase from that speech that languishes as an unfulfilled promise and causes the loss of credibility of the current government. The President knows how he can get it back.- LA PRENSA, June 29

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/the-quotno-untouchablesquot-promise-1

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Pandemia pone a prueba al presidente Cortizo

La incertidumbre por la crisis sanitaria marcó el discurso del presidente Cortizo, que anunció un paquete de ayudas económicas para afrontarla.

 

Yolanda Sa ndoval Aminta Bustamante

02 jul 2020 - 12:17 AM

El presidente Laurentino ‘Nito’ Cortizo, ayer en la Asamblea Nacional durante su informe a la nación. Pastor Morales

 

Con una endeble economía, un cuestionado gasto público, la falta de infraestructura médica y el número de casos de Covid-19 en aumento, el presidente Laurentino Cortizo detalló en su discurso a la Nación el uso de unos $1,450 millones como parte de un paquete de ayuda económica para reactivar la economía, sin que se sepa cuándo abrirá el próximo bloque de actividades, cerradas por decreto Ejecutivo.

El presidente obvió decir qué pasará con los más de 260 mil trabajadores con contratos suspendidos, al tiempo que reconoció que el país atraviesa su peor crisis sanitaria y económica.

También anunció que presentará un proyecto de ley ante la Asamblea que implica recortes de salarios y gastos de representación, de 25% para ministros, viceministros, directores de entidades, entre otros; y de 50% para él y su vicepresidente. La medida será por seis meses. Habló de un “acuerdo nacional”, pero sin profundizar en los detalles.

Receta tropical para frenar la pandemia económica

Con un año de mandato absorbido por la Covid-19, el presidente Laurentino Cortizo intentó frenar ayer la incertidumbre y los reproches de los sectores empresarial y laboral que durante las últimas semanas han reclamado la falta de un plan concreto para reactivar la economía.

En su discurso, detalló algunos programas del paquete de alivio financiero ante el desplome de la economía y mencionó, con tono de novedad, propuestas y proyectos que ya se conocían pero que todavía no arrancan.

Al igual que lo han hecho casi todos los gobiernos del mundo, su propuesta es poner dinero en circulación, aumentar el consumo y mantener la mayor cantidad de empleos.

La receta tropical en Panamá implica más subsidios, moratorias en el pago de obligaciones bancarias y tributarias, préstamos con intereses blandos y el establecimiento de un fondo especial para créditos.

De las medidas anunciadas por Cortizo, hay unos $1,450 millones en fondos dedicados a la dinamización del sector privado, dándole un peso importante a la pequeña y mediana empresa, al sector agropecuario y los emprendedores que necesitarán un empujón para salir de la actual crisis.

El Cálculo Alternativo al Impuesto sobre la Renta (CAIR) es una forma de calcular el impuesto para empresas con un ingreso gravable al año superior a $1.5 millones. Si la empresa demuestra que incurre en pérdidas o que la tasa que se termina aplicando resulta excesiva, tiene el derecho a solicitar que se le exceptúe de esa manera de calcular el pago del impuesto sobre la renta hasta los próximos 3 años. En la práctica, la Dirección General de Ingresos solo concede un año. Cortizo anunció que se van a conceder los tres años.Texto de atribuciónBlockquoteExtraer cita

El sector de la micro, pequeña y mediana empresa agrupa más de 60 mil negocios e igual de enorme será el reto que tendrán la Autoridad de la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (Ampyme), el Banco Nacional de Panamá y la Caja de Ahorros en la consecución de los fondos para este segmento.

Pero, más allá de la disponibilidad de los fondos, Cortizo reconoció que la recuperación económica requiere de un proceso gradual de reapertura de actividades productivas, hasta este momento agrupadas en seis bloques, de los cuales se autorizó la apertura de dos.

En este sentido, adelantó que ahora se daría una variación en los criterios de apertura. Actividades que están en un bloque pueden pasar a otro periodo de reapertura, algo que responde a las necesidades expresadas por el sector empresarial.

No hay fecha para la reapertura de los cuatro bloques cerrados aún, pero Cortizo indicó que eso se hará de manera “gradual, con prudencia y disciplina, considerando la tasa de infección de la provincia o región, el nivel de riesgo de la actividad, la capacidad hospitalaria de la región y estableciendo un seguimiento riguroso del cumplimiento de las medidas de bioseguridad”.

El presidente de la Cámara de Comercio, Jean-Pierre Leignadier, vio con buenos ojos este giro de timón, aunque advirtió que, tras escuchar el discurso de Cortizo, echó de menos un plan completo de reactivación, más allá de las medidas puntuales que se tomarán en estos meses y que no incluyen al comercio, por ejemplo.

Tampoco quedó claro el apoyo a los trabajadores con contratos suspendidos y la ampliación del uso del vale electrónico; la ayuda económica que se les está brindando y que solo puede ser utilizada en los supermercados, destacó Leignadier.

Su preocupación se replica en la Federación de Cámaras de Comercio de la República de Panamá, formada por 16 organizaciones. “Recordemos que el sector privado, como generador de empleos, es el mayor aliado del Gobierno y sabemos que el Plan Panamá Solidario, utilizado para dar un alivio inmediato a los trabajadores y familias que se quedaron sin ingresos, no es viable ni sostenible en el tiempo”, dijo la organización en una nota.

El tejido empresarial y laboral pasa por su peor crisis. Cerca de 17 mil empresas han suspendido de forma temporal los contratos de 260 mil trabajadores.

El bono se estableció originalmente en $80 y luego el Gobierno anunció el aumentó a $100. Los gremios laborales pidieron que este se elevara a $500 en la mesa del diálogo nacional, pero esta propuesta no prosperó.

Préstamos

Por ahora, se sabe que los que se dedican a la venta móvil de frutas y verduras o a la entrega de productos y servicios panameños por internet, fondos, buhonería, salones de belleza y barberías podrán tener acceso a préstamos a través de la banca estatal a partir del 3 de agosto. Los créditos podrán ser entre $2 mil y $5 mil para pagar en plazos de hasta 7 años.

Cortizo dijo que para este proyecto se ha destinado un fondo de $20 millones.

Este monto se suma a otros $150 millones que también se han enfilado para las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas.

De esto ya se tenían las coordenadas, cuando la semana pasada el Consejo de Gabinete aprobó la firma del contrato de préstamo por $150 millones entre el Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas y el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) para apoyar a las pequeñas empresas dedicadas al comercio, servicio y actividades agropecuarias.

Este plan lo integran cuatro programas, entre ellos el de activación de capital que va dirigido a las micro empresas, con el otorgamiento de préstamos hasta por $10,000 libres de interés.

Por otro lado, Cortizo mencionó la disponibilidad de un fondo de garantías de $50 millones para que las micro y pequeñas empresas puedan gestionar préstamos con las entidades financieras de su elección, utilizando precisamente la garantía que otorga el Estado.

Esto será vital ante el elevado riesgo que implica prestarle a empresas que han estado cerradas, sin generar ingresos, y arrancarán sus operaciones con el peso de muchos gastos, por lo que representan un mayor riesgo como clientes bancarios.

Hay otros $150 millones que administrará el Banco de Desarrollo Agropecuario (BDA) para pequeños productores agropecuarios, pesca artesanal y agricultura familiar. De esto, Cortizo habló hace un mes al visitar Merca Panamá.

Luis Martínez, productor y miembro de la Asociación Nacional de Ganaderos, vio con buenos ojos el apoyo al sector agropecuario, pero discrepó y le preocupa el hecho de que los fondos sean administrados por el BDA, que en el pasado ha usado el dinero de programas similares para el pago de salarios.

“Lo que el sector necesita es agilidad y recursos a la mano. Sería mucho más conveniente que el dinero sea dirigido a la banca privada para que su entrega sea más efectiva”, puntualizó.

En paralelo, el Gobierno intenta dinamizar al sector construcción e inmobiliario, destinando $80 millones del Fondo de Ahorro de Panamá, disponibles por ley, para reforzar el Fondo Solidario de Vivienda, que entrega un bono de $10 mil para el abono inicial de la primera vivienda, cuyo valor de aplicación se incrementará ahora hasta $70 mil.

El recién nombrado ministro de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial, Rogelio Paredes, dijo que actualmente trabajan con unas 400 promotoras que desarrollan proyectos desde cinco hasta mil viviendas, principalmente en provincias como Panamá, Panamá Oeste, Chiriquí y Veraguas.

Fondo de liquidez

Desde el mes de marzo, cuando se registró el primer caso del nuevo coronavirus en el país, la Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá (SBP) indicó que el Gobierno trabajaba en la estructuración de un fondo de liquidez de $1,000 millones, que llegarían a partir de acuerdos con el Fondo Monetario Internacional y el Organismo Multilateral de Garantía de Inversiones, del Grupo Banco Mundial.

Se había indicado que estos recursos solamente se podrían utilizar para responder ante problemas puntuales de liquidez de alguna entidad.

No servirán ni para rescatar bancos con problemas de solvencia ni como capital de trabajo para incentivar el crédito.

Cortizo dijo ayer que “de este fondo, en esta fase, se destinarán $500 millones para garantizar la solidez del sistema financiero panameño y otros $500 millones para facilitar el financiamiento de los sectores más afectados de la economía, tales como construcción, comercio, restaurantes, hoteles, innovación, ciencia y tecnología, agroindustrias, industrias, exportaciones, almacenaje y distribución, y turismo”.

Los banqueros habían insistido en la importancia de concretar a corto plazo el acceso al fondo. A diferencia de otras plazas, los bancos en Panamá tienen que manejarse con suficiente liquidez ante la falta de un banco central, de manera que puedan resguardar los fondos de los depósitos de los clientes.

A la par que se definió el uso del fondo, para estimular el crédito, Cortizo sancionó la ley de moratoria sobre los préstamos otorgados por los bancos, cooperativas y financieras hasta el próximo 31 de diciembre, que según la industria bancaria restringirá el otorgamiento de préstamos.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Pandemic tests President Cortizo
Uncertainty due to the health crisis marked the speech of President Cortizo, who announced a package of financial aid to deal with it.

Yolanda Sa ndoval Aminta Bustamante
Jul 02, 2020 - 12:17 AM

<<PHXCH6KLKVGHXHGJE42NIVXIHQ.jpg>>
President Laurentino ‘Nito’ Cortizo, yesterday in the National Assembly during his report to the nation. Pastor Morales

With a weak economy, questioned public spending, the lack of medical infrastructure and the number of Covid-19 cases on the rise, President Laurentino Cortizo detailed in his speech to the Nation the use of some $ 1.45 million as part of a package of economic aid to reactivate the economy, without knowing when the next block of activities will open, closed by Executive decree.

The president neglected to say what will happen to the more than 260,000 workers with suspended contracts, while acknowledging that the country is going through its worst health and economic crisis.

He also announced that he will present a bill before the Assembly that implies cuts in salaries and representation expenses, of 25% for ministers, vice-ministers, directors of entities, among others; and 50% for him and his vice president. The measure will be for six months. He spoke of a "national agreement", but without going into detail.

Tropical recipe to stop the economic pandemic

With a year in office absorbed by Covid-19, President Laurentino Cortizo tried yesterday to curb the uncertainty and the reproaches of the business and labor sectors that during the last weeks have claimed the lack of a concrete plan to reactivate the economy.

In his speech, he detailed some programs of the financial relief package in the face of the collapse of the economy and mentioned, with a new tone, proposals and projects that were already known but have not yet started.

As almost all governments in the world have done, their proposal is to put money into circulation, increase consumption and keep the greatest number of jobs.

The tropical recipe in Panama implies more subsidies, moratoriums on the payment of bank and tax obligations, loans with soft interests and the establishment of a special fund for credits.

Of the measures announced by Cortizo, there are some $ 1.45 billion in funds dedicated to revitalizing the private sector, giving significant weight to small and medium-sized companies, the agricultural sector, and entrepreneurs who will need a boost to get out of the current crisis.

The Alternative Calculation of Income Tax (CAIR) is a way of calculating the tax for companies with a taxable income of more than $ 1.5 million a year. If the company shows that it incurs losses or that the rate that ends up being applied is excessive, it has the right to request that it be exempted from this way of calculating the payment of income tax until the next 3 years. In practice, the General Revenue Office only grants one year. Cortizo announced that the three years will be granted.Attribution textBlockquoteExtract quote

The micro, small and medium-sized business sector brings together more than 60 thousand businesses and just as enormous will be the challenge that the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Business Authority (Ampyme), the National Bank of Panama and the Savings Bank will have in raising funds for this segment.

But, beyond the availability of funds, Cortizo recognized that the economic recovery requires a gradual process of reopening productive activities, until now grouped into six blocks, of which the opening of two was authorized.

In this sense, he announced that there would now be a variation in the opening criteria. Activities that are in a block may pass to another period of reopening, something that responds to the needs expressed by the business sector.

There is no date for the reopening of the four closed blocks yet, but Cortizo indicated that this will be done “gradually, with prudence and discipline, considering the infection rate of the province or region, the level of risk of the activity, the hospital capacity in the region and establishing rigorous monitoring of compliance with biosecurity measures. "

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Jean-Pierre Leignadier, welcomed this turn of the wheel, although he warned that, after listening to Cortizo's speech, he missed a complete plan for reactivation, beyond the specific measures that were They will take in these months and they do not include commerce, for example.

Neither was it clear the support for workers with suspended contracts and the expansion of the use of the electronic voucher; the financial aid that is being offered to them and that can only be used in supermarkets, stressed Leignadier.

Their concern is replicated in the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Republic of Panama, made up of 16 organizations. "Let us remember that the private sector, as a generator of jobs, is the Government's greatest ally and we know that the Panama Solidarity Plan, used to provide immediate relief to workers and families who were left without income, is neither viable nor sustainable in the time ”, said the organization in a note.

The business and labor fabric is going through its worst crisis. About 17 thousand companies have temporarily suspended the contracts of 260 thousand workers.

The bond was originally set at $ 80 and then the Government announced the increase to $ 100. The labor unions asked that this be raised to $ 500 at the table of the national dialogue, but this proposal did not prosper.

Loans

For now, it is known that those who are engaged in the mobile sale of fruits and vegetables or the delivery of Panamanian products and services online, funds, grocery stores, beauty salons and barbershops will be able to access loans through state banks to from August 3. The credits may be between $ 2,000 and $ 5,000 to pay in terms of up to 7 years.

Cortizo said that a $ 20 million fund has been earmarked for this project.

This amount is in addition to another $ 150 million that has also been lined up for micro, small and medium-sized companies.

The coordinates were in place for this, when last week the Cabinet Council approved the signing of the $ 150 million loan contract between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to support small businesses dedicated to trade, service and agricultural activities.

This plan is made up of four programs, including the capital activation program aimed at micro-companies, with loans of up to $ 10,000 free of interest.

On the other hand, Cortizo mentioned the availability of a $ 50 million guarantee fund so that micro and small companies can manage loans with the financial entities of their choice, using precisely the guarantee that the State provides.

This will be vital given the high risk involved in lending to companies that have been closed, without generating income, and will start their operations with the weight of many expenses, so they represent a greater risk as bank customers.

There is another $ 150 million that will be managed by the Agricultural Development Bank (BDA) for small agricultural producers, artisanal fishing and family farming. Cortizo spoke about this a month ago when visiting Merca Panamá.

Luis Martínez, producer and member of the National Livestock Association, welcomed the support of the agricultural sector, but disagreed and is concerned that the funds are managed by the BDA, which in the past has used program money similar for the payment of wages.

"What the sector needs is agility and resources at hand. It would be much more convenient for the money to be directed to private banks so that its delivery is more effective, "he said.

In parallel, the Government is trying to boost the construction and real estate sector, allocating $ 80 million from the Panama Savings Fund, available by law, to reinforce the Housing Solidarity Fund, which provides a $ 10,000 bonus for the initial payment of the first home , whose application value will now increase to $ 70 thousand.

The newly appointed Minister of Housing and Land Management, Rogelio Paredes, said that they currently work with some 400 developers who develop projects from five to a thousand homes, mainly in provinces such as Panama, Panama West, Chiriquí and Veraguas.

Liquidity fund

Since March, when the first case of the new coronavirus was registered in the country, the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP) indicated that the Government was working on the structuring of a $ 1 billion liquidity fund, which would come from agreements with the International Monetary Fund and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency of the World Bank Group.

It had been indicated that these resources could only be used to respond to specific liquidity problems of an entity.

They will not serve either to rescue banks with solvency problems or as working capital to encourage credit.

Cortizo said yesterday that "from this fund, in this phase, $ 500 million will be allocated to guarantee the soundness of the Panamanian financial system and another $ 500 million to facilitate the financing of the most affected sectors of the economy, such as construction, commerce, restaurants, hotels, innovation, science and technology, agro-industries, industries, exports, warehousing and distribution, and tourism ”.

The bankers had insisted on the importance of specifying access to the fund in the short term. Unlike other markets, banks in Panama have to manage with sufficient liquidity in the absence of a central bank, so that they can protect the funds from customer deposits.

At the same time that the use of the fund was defined, to stimulate credit, Cortizo passed the moratorium law on loans granted by banks, cooperatives and finance companies until December 31, which according to the banking industry will restrict the granting of loans. .

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/pandemia-pone-a-prueba-a-cortizo/

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OPINION: Biggest challenge since the Invasion

US trooops celebrate the end of Operarion Just Cause

Posted 01/07/2020

The Cortizo administration starts its second year with a confusing and complicated economic outlook. When the current government began, the Panamanian economy was declining. The PRD inherited a tripled public debt, an inflated and inefficient administration and growing unemployment rates. The current government has faced an economic challenge comparable to the recovery after the military dictatorship and the invasion, the pandemic, with more indebtedness and a reduction in state investment.

 The horizon remains cloudy, not only due to the health crisis but also due to uncertainty about the economic recovery strategy. State actions must promote growth, as well as the reduction of inequality. This is affected because there is no clarity about the destination of the loans received during the crisis, which increases the problem of the lack of transparency of the government and makes it difficult for private capital to take risks.

Panama requires a leadership that takes the reins of the country with transparency, consensus and that works focused on raising the national economy – LA PRENSA, Jul 1

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-biggest-challenge-since-the-invasion

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Recovery plan slashes pay and perks for ruling elite

Posted 01/07/2020

President Laurentino Cortizo and Vice President  José Gabriel Carrizo will take a 50% cut in costs of representation for six months while vice ministers, directors, deputy directors, managers, assistant managers, administrators and deputy administrator will find their monthly checks cut by 25%. 

There will be no allowances for officials who are, members of the boards of government institutions.

The money will be contributed to the “Panama Solidario” plan, which provides food vouchers and bags to people financially affected by the pandemic.

The announcement came during the president’s address to the National Assembly when he introduced 12 "priority actions" of the "plan for economic and social recovery”

Cortizo referred to the Covid-19 pandemic as "the deepest health, social, and economic crisis that our country has experienced ... We are experiencing an exceptional episode in human history and in our homeland. Therefore, this report [to the Nation] has to be different ”.

The majority of the actions announced are soft loans to micro, small and medium-sized companies, and entrepreneurs, who -according to Cortizo- represent 90% of companies and generate more than 70% of the country's jobs. For small agricultural producers, a soft loan program has been created conditional on technical assistance, accompaniment, water harvesting, and agrotechnology, "that is, producing more with less." The program, which in its first phase will have $150 million for loans, will be administered by the Banco de Desarrollo Agropecuario.

Likewise, he spoke of contributing $80 million from the Panama Savings Fund, to reinforce the Housing Solidarity Fund, which consists of the delivery of a $10,000 bonus for the initial payment of people who acquire housing for the first time; Now, that bonus may be applicable to the purchase of residences of up to $70 ,000

A billion dollars will also be contributed to a “special fund to strengthen credit”: $500 million to “guarantee the soundness” of the financial system and another $500 million to finance sectors affected by the pandemic, such as construction, commerce, restaurants, hotels, and industries, among others. Likewise, those companies that have requested not to pay tax based on CAIR, the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) will authorize the exception for a period of up to 3 years.

Infrastructure projects
Another point of the plan is the generation of temporary jobs through the rehabilitation and reinforcement of buildings and public infrastructure works,“conditioned to use the local labor.”. Another job generator would be the construction Metro Line 3  , which could start in the summer of 2021  and estimated to create 5,000 jobs.

Reopening
Nothing has been heard about the six-phase reopening plan during the past month. The first phase including electronic sales shops, workshops, artisanal fishing, aquaculture, and other services started on May 13 and the- second construction of public infrastructure on June 1. 

Cortizo said that the other four reopening phases will be done “gradually, with prudence and discipline, considering the infection rate of the province or region, the level of risk of the activity, the hospital capacity of the region and establishing rigorous monitoring of compliance with biosecurity measures. "

He stressed the need to find a balance "between health and economics".

Mistakes
"Did we make mistakes? Of course yes. The circumstances are unique and exceptional, as we have never faced a similar situation in the history of the country, "said Cortizo.

“All the decisions that were made and will be made will be to save lives. Doing nothing was never and will never be an option, ” he said.

“Urgent reconversion " of beds is still needed for critical areas in centers managed by the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund and he announced a goal  4,000 tests a day; Currently, daily average of 2,500 tests.

Finances
The government assumed a deficit of $2.317 billion in the 2019 budget, and "inherited" debts with contractors and suppliers of  $1,836 billion . To face these debts, "it was necessary to resort to external financing", which is why Panama went out to international markets in July and November 2019 and March 2020, "achieving the total amount of $5.8 billion." He said that in the three months of the pandemic, revenue has fallen $900 million, 50% below budget. It is  calculated that Panama will decrease by 2.2% in 2020 but for the next  year growth of 4.2%

Cortizo noted that his government has cut up to $2 billion in per diem, travel, vehicle purchases and some investment programs.

Cortizo announced the presentation to the Assembly of several bills: one, on "tax relief" for MSMEs, through the establishment of a special reduced income tax regime; another, to expand Ampyme's “improving my business” program, which will increase non-reimbursable seed capital from one $1,000 to $2,000 another, to recognize a 10% discount to taxpayers "who pay on time, and another for the development of" agroparks

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/recovery-plan-slashes-pay-and-perks-for-ruling-elite

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Minister uses  engineer title  without endorsement

Posted 03/07/2020

Panama’s beleaguered Minister of Public Works (MOP),  Rafael Sabonge  already under fire for alleged scandals linked to the construction the  Ancon modular hospital  is now facing questions about  his use of the title  “engineer” when  signing documents,

In the official notes signed by Sabonge, his name is preceded by the Spanis h abbreviation (“Ing.”), Which indicates his profession.

The profession, like several others that require high technical levels - is regulated by laws that seek to ensure that those who practice it in Panama are qualified in the matter reports La Prensa.

The Technical Board of Engineering and Architecture (JTIA), which issues the suitability to practice engineering and architecture careers in Panama, as well as for companies that are engaged in the business told the newspaper  “We have no record in the official JTIA registry that Mr. Rafael José Sabonge Vilar… has suitability of engineer to practice in the Republic of Panama

Sabonge's resume - issued by the Ministry of the Presidency when he was appointed head of the Ministry) - indicates that he graduated as an engineer from the University of Texas in Austin.

The IATA  note, indicates that Sabonge's academic degree would not have been recognized by any of the five official universities that oversee private universities in the country and that revalidate degrees from foreign universities.

His CV also indicates that he has been in charge of several construction projects in which he has been “project manager”, including a government building: the current HQ of the Electoral Tribunal (TE).

The work, whose construction began in December 2010, was carried out by FCC Construcción, SA, valued at $29.8 million.

A site manager has responsibilities, such as reviewing plans and designs. A resolution of the JTIA, of April 2016, indicates that to exercise that position you must have the JTIA endorsement.

Anyone who prefers the titles of engineer, architect or technician "without having the respective suitability" commits "infractions" of the law that regulates the legal practice of these professions, typified in the Penal Code as "willful crimes", warned the President of SPIA Marcos Murillo.

"In 2008, I started the procedures to obtain the suitability to practice within my country, procedures that I did not complete," Sabonge said in a note.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/business/minister-uses-engineer-title-without-endorsement

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Double dipping while others beg

Posted 05/07/2020

While much of the country goes through unthinkable financial sacrifices, a privileged group of elected officials enjoys juicy double wages. Generosity with the funds of all Panamanians was established in Law 37 of 2009, allowing representatives of the corregimiento, councilmen and mayors to maintain the full salary of any government institution in which they had worked, through the mechanism of paid leave. . At least half of the mayors with this benefit are current members of the ruling party.

This impudence could be ended soon if the deputies gave their support to the legislative proposal presented this week. In this way, a perverse injustice that insults the large number of unemployed citizens, many without receiving the digital voucher or the food bag, would be ended.

The pandemic is already forecast to raise the unemployment rate to 15% or 20% of the economically active population, implying that some 400,000 Panamanians could be out of work. For this reason, more than ever, decency in government actions and in the regulations that govern us is an element that must shine throughout our legislation and in each of the public servants. - LA PRENSA July 5

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/double-dipping-while-others-beg-1

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OPINION - Panama - a country adrift

President Cortizo

Posted 09/07/2020

There is a feeling that the country is adrift. Political leadership, so necessary to guide state action and inform citizens, is nowhere visible. While the spokesmen of different government entities wash their hands in the face of the responsibility of having authorized a "humanitarian" flight, which seemed more like a flight, the emptiness of command in the State is noted.

Who gave the permission? Who authorized the passports, for two fugitives from Panamanian justice? Now that the country's international image is tainted, both by request for extradition of the, "princes" and by threats and persecutions against current and former prosecutors, along with veiled censorship, disguised as civil kidnapping against the company that publishes this medium, The opportunity remains for our current president to give the country a sense of the rule of law, and send a forceful message to his subordinates, his political allies, his donors and the entire population. "Not lie. No cheating. Do not steal. And not to tolerate whoever does it. ” A code of honor that the President of the Republic must comply with. We Panamanians demand that the government act with decency, and that justice work once and for all. LA PRENSA Jul 9

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-panama-a-country-adrift

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OPINION: When the going gets tough

Posted 11/07/2020

In May, the payroll for public servants cost $ 375.2 million per month, representing an 8.4% growth compared to the same month, but last year. Despite a reduction of nearly 2,000  employees, the terrible trend of increasing State wage expenditures in times of pandemic confirms that a significant amount of scarce public resources are consumed by the state bureaucracy.

There are no efficiency measures, no performance evaluation, and no merit contests. Nor is there a real administrative career that guarantees that the most committed and talented public servants can dedicate themselves to State affairs. The health crisis has served to show that this state bureaucracy is not equipped for the great challenges of the country. The Panamanian State has had to go into debt to cover the payments for this juicy payroll, which contrasts with the limited resources assigned to the population, to face their needs during the quarantine. Without the improvement of state services, it is not being invested, if not squandering everyone's money.-LA PRENSA JUL.11

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-when-the-going-gets-tough

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OPINION: Enough of improvisation

Where are we going?

Posted 14/07/2020

The country was seized by restlessness and anxiety, the product of very ambiguous presidential statements over the weekend. Supermarkets featured long lines of shoppers, while at banks and other financial institutions Panamanians withdrew savings in anticipation of a dramatic move to be announced one day this week. Four months after the start of the pandemic, this venal form of communication is unforgivable. As if the more than 900 deaths and tens of thousands of those infected were not a serious matter, we continue to await detailed explanations, the presentation of a renewed health strategy, and an economic recovery plan. The country is not for more improvisations, the tug of war on the sides of the ruling party or for the kingdom of speculation fueled by rumors about what is happening. Financial aid is not reaching everyone who should or in the most appropriate way. What happened to the hotels and the modular hospital? Why the delay in payments to suppliers? There are too many mysteries that the President and his government must clear up to begin to control this atrocious pandemic. LA PRENSA, Jul. 14

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-enough-of-improvisation

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OPINION: - Pandemic, An opportubity to plunder

Posted 15/07/2020

The pandemic is not an excuse to spend without accountability. In fact, it is when it is most transparent to be, since the normal order of purchases and expenses in general have been disrupted. But instead of transparency, we increasingly notice more obscurantism, less information. No one wants to talk about the expenses that have been made or are about to be done.

The Comptroller's Office also does not fulfill its role vis-à-vis the citizens, nor does it even rule on what are clearly irregularities. We are blind, with officials who haunt us because, far from fulfilling their duty, what they want is to fulfill themselves. They make us suspicious of their actions, because they have decided to keep public information to themselves. And it is that we are in the presence of inexperienced politicians in the public administration, whose only interest seems to be the negotiated ones. They use funds, large funds, as if they were private.

Our leaders must know that we are aware that resources are limited, and for that very reason they are obliged to tell us what they spend them on. Start doing it, because if you want governance for the next four years, you urgently need a tiller.LA PRENSA, Jul. 15

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-pandemic-an-opportubity-to-plunder

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OPINION: A country with no rudder

Posted 17/07/2020

Growth projections for the economy continue to decline, that is, they worsen as confinement continues. This means that thousands of people will lose jobs or part of their income. The worst part of the crisis is on the shoulders of the private sector since the Government has done very little to balance the balance and, what is worse, there are evident irregularities that reduce the limited resources to combat the pandemic. Some of the proposals to face the crisis are of a populist nature, which puts at risk the existence of companies that employ thousands and that will later be needed to revive the economy. It seems that the country lacks a compass and leadership and that the imagination of our officials does not stop, while we look helplessly at the collapse of the economy. It is up to citizens to guess what the Government will do in the face of our immediate future since there is no one to report anything or anyone to complain about the mistakes made. Obviously, they would be less wrong if they consulted more, but incapacity has been combined with power. And this is the sad result. LA PRENSA, Jul 17

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/opinion-a-country-with-no-rudder

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Panama risks social unrest as Cortizo  crumbles - The Economist

Nito Cortizo gets failing grade

Posted 17/07/2020

A report from the Intelligence Unit (IU) of the prestigious  Economist  magazine warns that the government of Laurentino Nito Cortizo , needs to  quickly restore the public confidence or risk social unrest.

n the report entitled "The risk of social unrest increases as the pandemic persists," the publication looks at how the current administration has handled the pandemic from a political, economic, and social point of view.

Released on, Thursday, July 16,  the document says that after making a great effort at the start of the pandemic, Cortizo runs the risk of becoming a worn-out political force as infection rates spiral, no response inspiring economic growth, corruption allegations amid the crisis, and deep divisions in the ruling PRD party.

It e mentions that Panama was one of the first Latin American countries to close schools and introduce guidelines for staying at home with one of the strictest rules in the region, however, four months later, public confidence in the current administration “has crumbled "

The IU   report recalls that by not accompanying the severe measures with immediate and effective economic relief for poor households, confinement "strict was impractical and ultimately led to the spread of infection."

"The economy has been severely hit," it warns and cites the INEC monthly economic activity index, which reported that economic activity fell by 35% in  April, compared to the same month of 2019.

It also points out that more than 270.000 labor contracts are suspended.

The  Intelligence Unit forecasts that even as activity picks up in the second half of this year, real GDP will contract by 6%, with risks tilted to the downside if setbacks in government  reopening plan continue

Corruption
The Economist mentions that although the other Latin American countries have failed to prevent the spread of the virus, with the exception of Uruguay, and Cuba, in Panama the disappointment with the handling of the crisis by the government is aggravated by the accusations of alleged corruption by some of its members.

"Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, and the Minister of Public Works, Rafael Sabonge, have been the subject of campaigns on social networks demanding their resignations, after hospitals and health equipment were purchased at inflated prices," the publication states.

However, both remain in their positions, adds the report, to later say that the same did not happen with Rosario Turner, who was serving as Minister of Health.

The perception is that she was unfairly dismissed" due to the PRD's internal policy, or possibly as a result of her recent refusal to sign a letter allowing the return of the children of former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009-2014), in a humanitarian flight.

It says that the profound differences between two factions of the PRD are clear and could be affecting appointments and decision-making in Cortizo's cabinet.

This has led to speculation that the former president, Ernesto Pérez Balladares  could run for the presidency of the PRD in the internal elections next year. "He would be a unifying figure, and he has a reputation for being competent, though not for respecting democratic institutions." 

It  mentions the legal battle he has with La Prensa "an independent local newspaper"  from whom he kidnapped accounts as a result of an ongoing lawsuit.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/media-watch/panama-risks-social-unrest-as-cortizo-crumbles-the-economist

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In search of leadership and imagination

A potential hospital?

Posted 17/07/2020

Panama, like most of the world, is facing a unique challenge with the coronavirus pandemic. Like other countries, it has had is share of false promises and obfuscation plus the additional burden of corruption in many projects linked to aiding the victims of the virus or keeping front line medical staff equipped with PPEs and medicines. Rosario Turner, the former Health Minister was ousted without explanation while her erstwhile deputy who stepped into the role is strong on promises of action ”soon” and  “analyzing”. President Cortizo has yet to implement his promise to show the door to anyone linked to corruption, although he is surrounded by suspects. Meanwhile, the chief analyzer renamed his advisory team which seems incapable of thinking outside the box while its leader rushes from one scattered emergency center to another.

La Prensa columnist  Rolando Noriega has surveyed the chaos and formulated some doable actions. This is what he wrote on Thursday before the latest COVID casualty report was revealed:

There are multiple tests for a vaccine against Covid -19. There is one from the University of Oxford, a few from China, a couple more from the United States, among the main ones. If it was announced on  November 15 that there is already a vaccine, that works against this disease, the stock markets would surely rise and there would be celebrations all over the planet.

The truth is that if there is a western vaccine, doctors and nurses, police and firefighters, soldiers, and politicians from the countries of Europe and North America would be vaccinated first, then generalize it to their populations. It will take months before a significant amount of vaccines arrives in Panama. Perhaps May or June 2021. That does not mean that once the plane arrives at Tocumen International Airport, with the precious load of vaccines, the pandemic is Panama ended. It will take several months to vaccinate the adequate number of Panamanians to have herd immunity. That day the pandemic in Panama will end.

In the next few hours, we will reach the terrible number of a thousand deceased and 50 thousand infected. If the contagion rate of more or less a thousand new cases per day is maintained, on September 6 we would have another 50 thousand cases and unfortunately, another thousand deaths. At that rate, on October 26, another thousand died from the pandemic and 50 thousand more infected. By December 16 we would have a cumulative of 4,000 dead and 200,000 infected. We would end the year on December 31 with 300 more dead.

If the number of infected people reaches an average of 2,000 a day, let's say that starting on September 6, we will have 100,000 more infected by October 26, accompanied by 2,000 deaths. By December 16 there would be another 2,000 casualties along with another 100,000 infected and by the end of the year 600 more Panamanians will have left this land.

In this scenario, we will have had 6,600 deaths in 2020 and more than 300,000 infected. Recall that vaccination would not begin until 120 days later, that is, another 240,000 infected and 4,800 Panamanians lost in the pandemic.

Weariness and questions.
Whatever the setting, we live weary. We are tired. They took Rosario Turner out and never explained why. They hired a modular hospital that is half a stick and the doctors, nurses, assistants and other collaborators who are killing themselves to attend crowded hospitals, do not have equipment, supplies and lack rest. I think we are also leaving them hopeless. The police have already thrown in the towel. Each “linked” somebody has a safe-conduct, this includes even fugitives from justice outside the country. While some toast on the paradisiacal beaches of the Pacific and others wake up with the morning caress of the wind from El Valle de Antón, the rest, we stay in the city complying with the rules, keeping our distance, missing our family and loved ones.

They tell me that there is no climate to do a total quarantine. That people would not stay home because they already know that vouchers and bags of food will not arrive; that they no longer take the medicines to the home and that if they go out hungry, a fine, a broom, cheeks and more frustration await them. Citizens are fighting alone, as the government seems to have surrendered without summoning all its women and all its men. This is gained or lost in the Panama metropolitan area.

Reserve army
There is an entire reserve army that has not been summoned to this fight. Tens of thousands of teachers and professors in the official education system are available to go door to door, visit the sick, trace contacts and monitor communities. This could be done by educators under the age of 45, while those over that age could operate the call centers to touch base with each positive, with each family member or stranger who needs that daily call, which does not come from the Ministry of Health. A thousand educators making phone calls can reach 50 thousand people every day. They would warn if that citizen feels bad, lacks food or medicine. We are very cynical about what our educators can do, I think they are capable of great acts of nobility.

Civic clubs and churches have a very important role to play. Surely "soapy" will help raise awareness among children to help them fight the pandemic at home. However, the most critical role that civic clubs can play is to ensure that the distribution of food bags and vouchers is equitable and that the purchases that are currently being made are carried out with transparency. Civic clubs could form a guarantor board that would oversee each contract. Likewise, churches have their formal and informal networks that know communities, know who can help and who needs it. Their organizations know how to reach all communities.

We are in an improvisation race, the hospitals are already saturated, the hotels have not been paid and now we are going to the convention centers to turn them into makeshift hospitals. We need a larger, more efficient and better-managed solution. We need a ship, not just any ship, but a super passenger cruise ship to use as a floating hospital hotel. Off the coast of Florida, there are dozens of dreamboats, anchored without use. Bringing one of these empty cruises back to Panama and anchoring it on the Amador Causeway would take a couple of weeks.

We would have 2,500 rooms available overnight for positives. By concentrating these people in one place, medical personnel can be rested and the process more efficient. The 7,500 meals a day could be hired from the restaurants on the Amador Causeway, the Old Town, the hotels on Avenida Peru, the restaurants in San Francisco and many other places. The local economy would be put to work, better controlling the pandemic, and we would truly use our maritime vocation.

There are three countries in Latin America that defeated the pandemic. None  had the vaccine, but each in their own way confronted it, organizing its population and aligning the human resources that existed.

If Cuba, Uruguay and Paraguay could, Panama could also. We only lack the leadership and the imagination to eat the world and avoid thousands of dead and hundreds of thousands of infected.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/health/in-search-of-leadership-and-imagination

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President’s lackluster performance  said lacking leadership

Cortizo , at one of his rare appeances

Posted 18/07/2020

Panama President Laurentino Cortizo whom many had sePresiden’en as a more honest leader than most of those who have plundered the country since the overthrow of the dictatorship is under scrutiny from abroad and at home, including rumblings within his own party as he reneges on his commitment to root out corruption “whenever it appears.

 He has failed  to explain to the country some crucial issues on the management of the pandemic, four months after decreeing a national emergency  over COVID-19, on March 13 and senior members of his cabinet are perceived to have sticky fingers

Analysts, politicians, and members of organized civil society argue that there is a disconnect between the Government and the citizens. They also note a lack of leadership from the president and his team says

After the removal of Dr Rosario Turner as Health Minister and his  July 1 report on the first year of the government (he has been seen publicly on five occasions. 

At none of these moments has he allowed himself to be approached by journalists? When was the opening of the third block? What decision will be made about the Social Security Fund (CSS) retirement program? How will unemployment and the impoverishment of large sectors of the population be stopped due to the economic crisis? They are questions without clear answers.

The first public outing was last week. He met with, the director of the CSS, for the installation of the "inter-institutional" purchasing table.

The second was last Sunday when he released a video in which he reported that he had met with the health advisory committee and that he would make an important announcement. "Important decisions have been made ... they will probably be announcing tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday, mid-week I will be announcing what measures I should take related to the health and economic issue," he said.

The video as widely rejected.rejection. His insecurity in the definition of the day of the announcement even generated mockery in networks. Thursday, a day after Vice José Gabriel Carrizopresent to the Assembly the project that establishes a temporary reduction in salaries for senior officials, and amid questions about alleged irregularities in hiring for the laundry service in hotels where patients with the Covid-19 are staying, Cortizo appeared in the Operations Center for Community Control and Traceability. In addition, he visited San Miguelito, to announce the appointment of 20 community promoters who will help in the traceability of Covid-19 cases in that area. Who are these promoters? How were they chosen? Do they belong to the ruling party? More questions without answers say  numerous media

In that event, Cortizo, who has compared the pandemic to a "war", spoke of the creation of a monument to thank health personnel. It was the same day that medical personnel protested late payments and lack of equipment. The president closed the day with an announcement: July 17 would be a reflection, for the thousand deaths from the coronavirus in the country. Since the first case was reported on March 9, more than 50,000 have been infected.

For José Isabel Blandón,  president of the Panameñista Party, the Government "is living an alternative reality", in which they have done everything well and the people idolize them.

He claims that Cortizo does not seem to understand the level of "disappointment" and "frustration" that exists. "The people demand leadership and deeds, not histrionics and empty words," he says.

 Rómulo Roux, president of Cambio Democrático, said that Cortizo's words last Thursday deepen his “concern” about the handling of the crisis. "I never heard a general or commander in the middle of a war that produces one death every hour, talking about reflection or building monuments for the deceased, which unfortunately we continue to count on a daily basis," he said. “If the president really wants to pay tribute to the victims of this pandemic, he adds, "let him do it by working, acting and showing his face with transparency."

Roux agrees with Blandón that Cortizo's words represent "complete ignorance and disconnection with the reality of the country."

For political analyst Edwin Cabrera, decreeing a day of reflection for the victims is not bad, but he is struck by the fact that Cortizo published a video on Sunday in which he reported that he had met with the advisory commission and that he would make an important announcement to the country, but that the only thing he spoke about on Thursday was the day of reflection. In his opinion, the population expects him to tell him where we are going.

Freddy Pittí, from the Juntos Decidimos movement, described it as "lack of consideration by the president," making Panamanians wait so many days, and then simply sending the population to reflect.

He considered that the day of reflection is not bad; The bad thing is "the wide disconnect between the Presidency and reality."

Politician Lisímaco López thinks  Cortizo is wasting time with bland messages.

López, said that he supported Cortizo's candidacy but  "the people want to know how they eat if they don't have money ... another opportunity that Cortizo misses to rescue the leadership."

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/presidents-lackluster-performance-said-lacking-leadership

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Apede reclama a Cortizo ejercer liderazgo

‘Necesitamos saber que hay un capitán controlando el barco’, Eleta.

 

Wilfredo Jordán S.

21 jul 2020 - 12:00 AM

El 70% de la fuerza laboral panameña trabaja en las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas, según datos oficiales. Muchas de estas empresas permanecen cerradas. Gabriel Rodríguez

 

La presidenta de la Asociación Panameña de Ejecutivos de Empresa (Apede), Mercedes Eleta, pidió al presidente Laurentino Cortizo ejercer un liderazgo más “claro y contundente” para que haya un diálogo frente a la crisis.

“Necesitamos saber que hay un capitán controlando el barco y en este momento eso no está claro”, dijo en entrevista con este diario.

A través de un comunicado, la Apede citó la alerta de la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe sobre la urgencia de un plan económico y de salud para enfrentar la crisis. “Hemos llegado a un punto crítico, donde cada día de inacción o la aplicación de una estrategia inadecuada agudiza la crisis y amenaza con afectar, aún más, la salud y vida de los panameños”.

Eleta reiteró la necesidad de un diálogo nacional en el que participen todos los sectores, pero “se requiere de alguien que convoque, que lidere, que se haga presente y se sienta con fuerza en control de la situación”.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Apede claims Cortizo to exercise leadership

"We need to know that there is a captain controlling the ship," Eleta.

Wilfredo Jordán S.
Jul 21, 2020 - 12:00 AM

<<LWXAABMJ5FB4HL7SBOP2V4EXF4.jpg>>
70% of the Panamanian workforce works in micro, small and medium-sized companies, according to official data. Many of these companies remain closed. Gabriel Rodriguez

The president of the Panamanian Association of Company Executives (Apede), Mercedes Eleta, asked President Laurentino Cortizo to exercise a more “clear and forceful” leadership so that there is a dialogue against the crisis.

"We need to know that there is a captain controlling the ship and at the moment that is not clear," he said in an interview with this newspaper.

Through a statement, Apede cited the alert of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean about the urgency of an economic and health plan to face the crisis. "We have reached a critical point, where each day of inaction or the application of an inadequate strategy exacerbates the crisis and threatens to affect, even more, the health and life of Panamanians."

Eleta reiterated the need for a national dialogue in which all sectors participate, but "it requires someone to convene, to lead, to be present and to feel strongly in control of the situation."

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/apede-reclama-a-cortizo-ejercer-liderazgo/

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MEDIAWATCH: A Wartime President

Posted 22/07/2020

By Rodrigo Noriega, La Prensa

History is the mother of the essential disciplines for a political analysis. In the current situation that we face as a nation, the first president, if you like the technical director of the "Panama team" , is a ruler who operates under the mentality of being in the middle of a war. Panamanian history, always rich in parallels, offers us a comparison with the last president who managed this country in the middle of a war: Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia Arango .

Popularly known as the Cojo (limping)de la Guardia, this president ruled Panama from October 9, 1941 to June 15, 1945. He ascended to the presidency after the civil coup against the first government of Arnulfo Arias and assumed the reins of the Panamanian State during almost the entirety of the Second World War.

That war gave Panama first-rate strategic relevance since both Germany and Japan made significant preparations for fighting and attacks on Panamanian territory and the Panama Canal Zone. To protect the Canal, in the metropolitan area of Panama and Colon blackouts called "imposed outes Black- " there was also tight price control and rationing products such as gasoline and meat.

While the government of the President La Guardia applied draconian measures throughout the territory, the naval intelligence of the United States pursued supposed spies, Germans, Italians and Japanese. In Panama there were internment camps for suspects or foreign families of the mentioned nationalities. Taboga was turned into the Italian confinement area, while some Germans were sent to Texas and the Japanese to Utah.

The Guardia government was characterized by overcoming its political errors with institutional responses. The law that established university autonomy was approved, as well as the contentious-administrative regime to control the legality of government acts, and which continues to this day. The President of the Guard called elections for the Constituent Assembly of 1945 , without any obstacle or agenda. He handed over power to the president-elect for that constituent on June 15, 1945.

The realities of then and now are clearly different, but the mentality with which he faced a very serious challenge is the biggest difference. The president of the Guard sought to add people and legitimacy to his government, allowing the first election in which women were able to vote. Panamanians remember that it was a time of hard sacrifices, but of much-shared prosperity. It was not an accident, that after the war, we Panamanians had the best carnival in our history between the "victory" of 1946 and that in December 1947 the United States was denied the permanence of its military bases outside the Canal Zone Panama, an important gesture for the recovery of our sovereignty.

In the case of Cortizo, there is terrible loneliness in the exercise of power. Cortizo no longer gives open press conferences or live speeches. The self-assured man who dominated the public agenda in April fell into the hands of the anxious politician of the month of July. The pandemic still has life, and therefore the opportunity to honor heroes and martyrs, not with monuments, but with a frontal fight against the corruption of their government, and the restoration of Panamanian politics to the level of greatness that was promised to us.

Cortizo, unlike his predecessor of La Guardia, has several wars at once. While the Guard was to lead a country in World War II, the current president must run this marathon against the pandemic, the economic crisis and the worst enemy of all, the voracity of the political class that ensures impunity for all kinds of criminal, from gangs to the perpetrators of the great looting of our heritage.

How did you overcome La Guardia's challenge? He made many mistakes, surrounded himself with very bright people, and gave wings to all sectors of the country's political and economic life. He did not fester or lock himself in the presidency. These lessons contrast with a part of the memories that the year 2020 will leave us. Among many experiences are the three massacres that occurred until July. First it was that of the La Joyita prison, then it was that of the Ngäbe-Buglé region and for the moment we hope that the last, that of the Fort Espinar bunker, in Colón.

All these events have in common the same triggering factor: the failure to fulfill the State's duties to protect the population of this territory. That is the same terrible problem that keeps the pandemic alive and fierce in Panama. That is the first problem that Cortizo must solve to overcome his wars, and he will not be able to do it if he only summons members of his party. The president of La Guardia was able to understand that and take the leap that gave birth to the 1945 constituency, that changed this country. The pandemic is the challenge and the opportunity.  

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/mediawatch-a-wartime-president

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Health Minister firing  due  to wear and tear says Cortizo

Rosario Turner

Posted 26/07/2020

President Cortizo said Sunday that the surprise removal of Rosario Turner as Minister of Health was due to the "wear and tear" of her office, but communicated that the doctor will continue to "help" her government, through advice from the Ministry of Social Development (Mides).

Cortizo’s handling of the coronavirus crisis is facing growing criticism and social media comments gave hinted that she was removed after refusing to approve the entry of a private humanitarian flight carrying the fugitive sons of former president Ricardo Martinelli. Her successor signed the approval, but in vain as the sons arrested in Guatemala as they were about to board their father’s private jet. They are behind bars awaiting an extradition hearing following an FBI inspired request to face money laundering hearings.

On the Telemetro Face to Face program on Sunday the president said of Turner “The wear is enormous. So, at that moment, I decided that I preferred to incorporate her in other tasks.

Turner was a minister until June 24. She was replaced, without prior notice, by her deputy minister, Luis Francisco Sucre. That day, she was in the National Assembly  Budget Committee, supporting transfers of items for $ 20.4 million, to deal with issues and purchases related to the coronavirus, and to pay back wages to health personnel.

During her appearance, several deputies congratulated the then minister for her role fighting the pandemic and, with few questions, authorized the departure transfers.

When she left the Assembly, Turner received the call from the Presidency. The secretary-general of the PRD, Pedro Miguel González, said that she was fired, without prior notice.

Surprised with her dismissal, that same night she vacated her office and left it ready for the arrival of Sucre.

She was not even invited to join the Advisory Health Council which contains three other former health ministers and now advises the president.

Cortizo insists that Turner "has earned leadership, she is a great person."  And now will be advising Mides on issues "related to early childhood and hostels in the country."

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/health-minister-firing-due-to-wear-and-tear-says-cortizo

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Ante denuncias de corrupción, Cortizo pide a ciudadanos presentar pruebas

El presidente de la República habló por primera vez de la salida de la ministra de Salud, Rosario Turner, en medio de la pandemia. Dice que su reemplazo se debió a desgaste.

 

Eliana Morales Gil

27 jul 2020 - 12:14 AM

Laurentino Cortizo, presidente de la República en el palacio de Las Garzas. Archivo

En medio de los cuestionamientos sobre la falta de transparencia y denuncias por supuesta corrupción, el presidente de la República, Laurentino Cortizo, solicitó a la ciudadanía aportar pruebas cuando se tenga sospecha de malos manejos con los fondos públicos.

“Lo que yo sí solicito [es que] en el acto donde hay evidencia de un caso de corrupción, por favor... óyeme, está el Ministerio Público, presenten la denuncia formalmente, porque eso nos ayuda a nosotros, a mí me ayuda”, aseguró en una entrevista en Telemetro, en la que también se refirió a la salida de Rosario Turner del Ministerio de Salud, y otros temas ligados a la Covid-19.

“Me gustaría tener ojos en cada funcionario y en cada empresario”, aseguró el líder de un gobierno que en los cinco meses de la pandemia ha estado envuelto en escándalos por supuestas compras con sobreprecio, poca transparencia, y contratos sospechosos, entre otros.

Cortizo, quien ha sido duramente cuestionado por varios sectores del país por la poca efectividad de la estrategia sanitaria, y el confuso plan económico para hacerle frente a la crisis, descartó un aumento en la cantidad de dinero que se entrega a la población. Reiteró que el país paga anualmente mil 600 millones de dólares en subsidios. No dijo nada de los que no reciben el bono solidario y tampoco subsidios. Buena parte de aquellos a los que se les suspendió sus contratos, no reciben esa ayuda.

De hecho, el especialista en mercado laboral, René Quevedo, vaticina un cierre de masivo de empresas, lo que deja una serie de interrogantes sobre el monto de las ayudas oficiales, el tiempo de duración y a quiénes estarían dirigidas.

El presidente Cortizo intenta capear el temporal

El presidente Laurentino Nito Cortizo volvió a la escena pública en momentos en que la ciudadanía exige al Gobierno más liderazgo y políticas contundentes para hacerle frente a una las etapas más críticas de la pandemia: más de mil 200 fallecidos, 270 mil contratos suspendidos, protestas callejeras en reclamo de ayuda social, y la incertidumbre por la reapertura del tercer bloque de actividad económica.

Reapareció en una entrevista en el programa Cara a Cara de Telemetro que se grabó el pasado viernes, día en que visitó Tonosí, en Los Santos, para entregar cheques a productores.

Sin embargo, la aparición del gobernante estuvo desprovista de grandes anuncios, o mensajes que le dan tranquilidad a una población confinada mientras ve cómo día a día se incrementan los casos, las muertes, y con una economía deprimida.

Cuando la periodista le consultó sobre transparencia y los señalamientos por posible corrupción, el mandatario solicitó a la ciudadanía que presente las denuncias ante el Ministerio Público (MP). “Me gustaría tener ojos en cada funcionario y en cada empresario”, contestó el Presidente cuya administración ha estado salpicada por escándalos ligados a sobreprecios en equipos e insumos médicos, y poca transparencia con la información sobre las compras de la pandemia, entre otros.

El presidente Cortizo también dijo que que estaban muy interesados en realizar los juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe, pero se requería una cantidad de millones para instalaciones deportivas, y la pandemia limitó esa posibilidad. La actividad estaba programada para 2022.

Los señalamientos por supuesta corrupción en la pandemia, incluso llegaron a las páginas del semanario británico The Economist, que en una publicación del pasado 16 de julio, habló el desgaste del gobierno de Cortizo por el manejo de la pandemia, y manifestó que en Panamá la crisis se agrava por las acusaciones de supuesta corrupción a algunos de los miembros del Gobierno. La nota mencionó al vicepresidente José Gabriel Carrizo, quien funge como ministro de la Presidencia; y a Rafael Sabonge, titular de Obras Públicas, quienes han sido objeto de cuestionamientos por “compras con precios inflados”.

Pero Cortizo, en la entrevista aseguró que “hay cero tolerancia a la corrupción” y su equipo lo sabe.

Uno de los temas obligados fue la salida de Rosario Turner del Ministerio de Salud (Minsa). Sin embargo, el mandatario no profundizó en el tema. Se limitó a decir que fue a causa del “desgaste” de la funcionaria. “El desgaste es enorme. Entonces, en ese momento, decidí que prefería eso e incorporarla en otras tareas”, narró.

Turner, quien tenía la batuta de la estrategia contra el coronavirus, fue destituida del Minsa el pasado 24 de junio, cuando Cortizo anunció cambios en su Gabinete en cadena nacional. Se enteró que estaba fuera del gobierno por una llamada que recibió desde el Palacio de Las Garzas, 10 minutos antes de la intervención del presidente. La reemplazó Luis Francisco Sucre, quien ejercía como su viceministro.

Bono solidario

Cortizo descartó la posibilidad de incrementar el monto del bono solidario [actualmente es de $100] que se entrega a las personas de escasos recursos, tal como sucede en países como El Salvador, donde se otorgan $300.

“No queremos hacer una promesa que después no se pueda cumplir”, aseguró al tiempo que reiteraba que el país paga anualmente mil 600 millones de dólares en subsidios, y que la ayuda solidaria ha llegado a un millón 400 mil personas.

Actualmente en el país hay unos 270 mil contratos suspendidos y registrados en Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral (Mitradel), lo que representa un 31% de los empleos formales del sector privado. Buena parte de esa población no recibe el bono solidario, y tampoco los subsidios. Para expertos en el asunto, la clase media es probablemente el sector más golpeado por la crisis.

El problema va más allá. De acuerdo con René Quevedo, especialista en mercado laboral, si a los 270 mil contratos en pausa se le agregan los contratos suspendidos, pero que no han sido registrados en el Mitradel, particularmente en microempresas, muchos de los cuales no serán reactivados; se puede concluir que por lo menos la mitad de los empleos formales del sector privado están suspendidos o ya no existen. “El impacto será particularmente severo en micro y pequeñas empresas, que aportan 56% de la fuerza laboral del país”, planteó.

Quevedo pronostica una quiebra masiva de empresas y, en consecuencia, una pérdida masiva de empleos [entre 250 mil 300 mil para este año], por lo que, a su juicio, aquí caben las siguientes preguntas: ¿cuál es el objetivo del bono solidario? ¿por qué monto y por cuánto tiempo deben ser las ayudas? ¿a quiénes? ¿deberían hacerse diferenciaciones entre los panameños y panameñas que perdieron sus fuentes de ingreso y aquellos que nunca las tuvieron?

Por lo pronto, el presidente de la República aseguró ayer que no hay fecha para la reactivar el bloque tres de actividad económica. Todo depende de los casos.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

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Before corruption allegations, Cortizo asks citizens to present evidence

The President of the Republic spoke for the first time of the departure of the Minister of Health, Rosario Turner, in the midst of the pandemic. He says his replacement was due to wear.

Eliana Morales Gil
Jul 27, 2020 - 12:14 AM

<<EIAL3XLWLVHWZK5BI6UU3EXXFU.jpg>>
Laurentino Cortizo, President of the Republic at the Palacio de Las Garzas. Archive

In the midst of questions about the lack of transparency and complaints about alleged corruption, the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, asked the citizens to provide evidence when suspected mismanagement with public funds.

"What I do request [is that] in the act where there is evidence of a case of corruption, please ... hear me, there is the Public Ministry, they formally file the complaint, because that helps us, it helps me "He assured in an interview on Telemetro, in which he also referred to the departure of Rosario Turner from the Ministry of Health, and other issues related to Covid-19.

"I would like to have eyes on every official and on every businessman," said the leader of a government that in the five months of the pandemic has been involved in scandals over alleged purchases with a premium, little transparency, and suspicious contracts, among others.

Cortizo, who has been harshly questioned by various sectors of the country for the ineffectiveness of the health strategy, and the confusing economic plan to face the crisis, ruled out an increase in the amount of money given to the population. He reiterated that the country annually pays $ 1.6 billion in subsidies. He did not say anything about those who do not receive the solidarity bonus and no subsidies. Many of those whose contracts were suspended do not receive that help.

In fact, the labor market specialist, René Quevedo, predicts a massive closure of companies, leaving a series of questions about the amount of official aid, the duration and who it would be aimed at.

President Cortizo tries to weather the storm

President Laurentino Nito Cortizo returned to the public scene at a time when citizens demand from the government more leadership and forceful policies to face one of the most critical stages of the pandemic: more than 1,200 deaths, 270,000 suspended contracts, street protests in claim of social aid, and the uncertainty for the reopening of the third block of economic activity.

He reappeared in an interview on the Tele a Cara program, which was recorded last Friday, the day he visited Tonosí, in Los Santos, to deliver checks to producers.

However, the appearance of the ruler was devoid of large announcements, or messages that give calm to a confined population while seeing how cases, deaths increase, and with a depressed economy.

When the journalist asked him about transparency and the accusations of possible corruption, the president asked the citizens to present the complaints to the Public Ministry (MP). "I would like to have eyes on every official and every businessman," replied the President, whose administration has been peppered with scandals linked to overpricing of equipment and medical supplies, and little transparency with information on purchases of the pandemic, among others.

President Cortizo also said that they were very interested in hosting the Central American and Caribbean games, but a number of millions was required for sports facilities, and the pandemic limited that possibility. The activity was scheduled for 2022.

The accusations of alleged corruption in the pandemic even reached the pages of the British weekly The Economist, which in a publication on July 16, spoke of the wear and tear of the Cortizo government due to the handling of the pandemic, and stated that in Panama the crisis is aggravated by accusations of alleged corruption to some of the members of the Government. The note mentioned Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, who serves as Minister of the Presidency; and Rafael Sabonge, head of Public Works, who has been questioned for “purchases with inflated prices”.

But Cortizo, in the interview, assured that "there is zero tolerance for corruption" and his team knows this.

One of the compulsory topics was the departure of Rosario Turner from the Ministry of Health (Minsa). However, the president did not elaborate on the issue. He limited himself to saying that it was because of the "wear and tear" of the official. “The wear is enormous. So, at that moment, I decided that I preferred that and incorporate it in other tasks ”, he narrated.

Turner, who had the baton of the strategy against the coronavirus, was dismissed from the Minsa on June 24, when Cortizo announced changes in his Cabinet on the national chain. She learned that she was out of government by a call she received from the Palacio de Las Garzas, 10 minutes before the president's intervention. He was replaced by Luis Francisco Sucre, who served as his vice minister.

Solidarity bonus

Cortizo ruled out the possibility of increasing the amount of the solidarity bond [currently $ 100] that is given to people with limited resources, as happens in countries like El Salvador, where $ 300 is awarded.

"We do not want to make a promise that cannot be fulfilled later," he said, reiterating that the country pays $ 1.6 billion in subsidies annually, and that solidarity aid has reached 1,400,000 people.

Currently in the country there are about 270 thousand contracts suspended and registered with the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel), which represents 31% of formal jobs in the private sector. A good part of this population does not receive the solidarity bond, and neither do they receive subsidies. For experts on the matter, the middle class is probably the sector hardest hit by the crisis.

The problem goes beyond that. According to René Quevedo, a specialist in the labor market, if to the 270 thousand paused contracts are added the suspended contracts, but which have not been registered in Mitradel, particularly in micro-companies, many of which will not be reactivated; It can be concluded that at least half of the formal jobs in the private sector are suspended or no longer exist. "The impact will be particularly severe in micro and small companies, which contribute 56% of the country's workforce," he said.

Quevedo predicts a massive bankruptcy of companies and, consequently, a massive loss of jobs [between 250 thousand 300 thousand for this year], so, in his opinion, the following questions fit here: what is the objective of the solidarity bond ? For what amount and for how long should the aid be? To whom? Should distinctions be made between Panamanians and Panamanians who lost their sources of income and those who never had them?

For now, the President of the Republic assured yesterday that there is no date to reactivate block three of economic activity. It all depends on the cases.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/ante-denuncias-de-corrupcion-cortizo-pide-a-ciudadanos-presentar-pruebas/

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Panama Heading to Social Catastrophe

Posted 02/08/2020

In the offices of the Ministry of Labor there are thousands of complaints against employers who, taking advantage of the pandemic, have carried out irregular dismissals, presented resignations that were not such and even mutual agreements, which only bear the name, and whose content is far of a negotiated solution. This is just a postcard of the labor landscape that the country lives.

 77% of families with a minor have seen their income decrease significantly. This has been caused by the lack of a coherent policy of economic support during the pandemic and the absence of a strategy for the recovery of the country, leaving everyone to their fate.

This did not have to be the immediate result of the health crisis. Other countries, with fewer resources, stabilized the family income of their citizens, and appropriately distributed the bags and other supports. The government has let a health issue get out of hand, become an economic tragedy, and evolve on the way to a social catastrophe. This is the moment to understand that all the country's living forces, including private companies and civil society, are part of the solution. Only then can there be a salvation.- LA PRENSA, Aug.2.

 

https://www.newsroompanama.com/opinion/panama-heading-to-social-catastrophe-1

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Escándalos en el Ejecutivo golpean la gestión de Laurentino Cortizo

Olmedo Rodríguez

17 ago 2020 - 12:21 AM

Pedro Ortiz ahora enfrenta investigaciones en el Ministerio Público y en la Antai. Tomado de internet

 

Dos escándalos ocurridos este fin de semana golpean directamente la gestión de gobierno del presidente Laurentino Cortizo en temas cruciales: la ética y lucha contra la corrupción y la batalla contra la pandemia de la Covid-19.

Este sábado 15 de agosto se hizo público que el jefe de personal del Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial, José Ruiloba, con un salario de $5 mil, amenazó a funcionarios con tomar acciones si no daban “like” en sus redes sociales a publicaciones del ministro Rogelio Paredes y del presidente Cortizo.

Más tarde, se difundieron imágenes de un vehículo oficial asignado al asesor de la Autoridad de Aseo, Pedro Ortiz, con un salario de $3 mil, que llevaba invitados a una fiesta organizada en su residencia en Dorado Lakes en plena cuarentena.

“Si el Ejecutivo no toma una decisión firme con estos dos funcionarios este ambiente de crispación y de malestar va a seguir aumentando”, señaló el analista Edwin Cabrera, quien recordó los compromisos del Ejecutivo en materia de corrupción y sanidad.

MP acumula investigaciones relacionadas con la pandemia

El Ministerio Público (MP) adelanta más de una docena de investigaciones por la posible comisión de delitos contra la administración pública, relacionadas con presuntas irregularidades en contratos, sobrecostos y el uso de bonos estatales durante la crisis sanitaria provocada por la pandemia de la Covid-19, así como por la presunta comisión del delito de propagar una enfermedad contagiosa.

A esto se suma el anuncio, ayer domingo, de una investigación por parte de la Fiscalía Anticorrupción por la supuesta comisión del delito de peculado de uso en perjuicio de la Autoridad de Aseo Urbano y Domiciliario (AAUD), luego de que se publicaran en redes sociales y medios de comunicación imágenes de un vehículo oficial que se utilizó el sábado 15 de agosto para transportar a los invitados de una fiesta, en medio de la cuarentena.

Vehículo de la Autoridad de Aseo Urbano y Domiciliario asignado al asesor Pedro Ortiz en las inmediaciones de su residencia. Miguel Cavalli

Investigaciones por doquier

Entre las investigaciones que adelanta el MP figuran la construcción del hospital modular, posible sobreprecio en compra de ventiladores y gel alcoholado, una licitación millonaria en la Caja de Seguro Social, extravío de mascarillas en el Hospital Santo Tomás, un saqueo a una tienda en Curundú, una boda en Paitillla y una fiesta en Patio Pinel.

Además, en el MP reposan varias denuncias contra figuras de la cúpula del gobernante Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD) por haber hecho una reunión con la bancada del Legislativo en una parrillada, en abierto desafío a las decisiones de las autoridades sanitarias que establecieron el cierre de restaurantes y la prohibición de reuniones de más de diez personas. Incluso, ese encuentro contó con la participación de la actual ministra de Trabajo y Desarrollo Social, Doris Zapata, en su condición de primera vicepresidencia del Comité Ejecutivo Nacional del PRD.

En el caso de la boda de Patilla y la reunión en la parrillada ya el Ministerio de Salud (Minsa) impuso una sanción de 50 mil dólares a cada uno de las que la organizaron.

Parillada en Dorado Lakes durante cuarentena

La nueva investigación del MP implicaría a un activista de este partido, Pedro Ortiz, quien aparece en la planilla de la AAUD como asesor con un salario de 3 mil dólares. El vehículo que se usó para transportar a los invitados a la parrillada está asignado a Ortiz para asuntos oficiales. Además, la residencia donde se organizaba la fiesta en la urbanización Dorado Lakes está alquilada por él.

El funcionario reconoció la celebración de la fiesta, sin embargo, intentó negar que él se encontrara en el lugar, lo cual fue desmentido por sus vecinos y fotografías que muestran a una persona con rasgos físicos muy similares a él en el convite. Sus propios vecinos, que sonaron pailas y pidieron una sanción ejemplar, fueron los que alertaron a los medios de comunicación y de paso a las autoridades de esta irregularidad.

Ortiz dijo en su cuenta de Twitter que merecía “asumir con responsabilidad” los hechos. El día anterior había criticado -también en Twitter- a los organizadores de una protesta en Calle 50, en contra del confinamiento. Aquella protesta terminó con siete manifestantes detenidos (algunos agredidos) y conducidos donde un juez de paz, que les puso una multa de $2 mil a cada uno. La sanción está en apelación.

Promesas de sanciones

La AAUD, que dirige Pedro Castillo, emitió un comunicado la noche del sábado en el que rechaza el mal uso de bienes del Estado y las acciones que contraríen los lineamientos de las autoridades en la lucha contra la Covid-19.

El comunicado promete investigaciones internas para ubicar al o los responsables y solicita a la Autoridad Nacional de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información (Antai) proceder “con rigor”. No habla de destituciones.

De hecho, la Antai también reaccionó mediante comunicado señalando que aplicará medidas si se comprueba que había funcionarios haciendo fiestas en cuarentena y utilizando bienes del Estado.

También la Dirección de Fiscalización de la Contraloría General de la República anunció el inicio de una investigación por mal uso de vehículos del Estado.

Al ser consultado sobre el tema, el director regional metropolitana de Salud Israel Cedeño, dijo ayer que la sanción máxima que puede imponer esta dependencia es de $5 mil.

Es el mismo monto que se le impuso al alcalde capitalino, José Luis Fábrega, por violar la cuarentena al pasearse por una playa en un un fin de semana de cuarentena total. Este último también es investigado por el Ministerio Público por este caso.

‘Like al jefe’... de lo contrario...

El caso de la parrillada en Dorado Lakes estuvo precedido por otro escándalo que también afecta directamente al Ejecutivo.

El sábado circuló un audio del jefe de recursos humanos del Ministerio de Vivienda y Ordenamiento Territorial (Miviot) en el que amenazó con tomar acciones contra los funcionarios que en sus redes sociales no dieran “like” a las publicaciones del ministro Rogelio Paredes o del presidente de la República, Laurentino Cortizo.

Se trata de José Ruiloba, quien, de acuerdo con la planilla de la Contraloría, figura como jefe de personal del Miviot, cargo en el que devenga $5 mil.

Ruiloba dijo en esa nota de voz dirigida a un chat de funcionarios y activistas del PRD: “en este grupo hay 161 personas, de las cuales el 90% trabaja en el Miviot, no es posible, que el ministro, el señor ministro, que es jefe de todos nosotros, sube una publicación y solamente 20 o 30 personas de este grupo, que trabaja en el ministerio y tienen Instagram, ni siquiera pueden darle un like al jefe”.

Remataba: “quiero que sepan que vamos a estar midiendo cada una de estas cosas, y se tomarán las respectivas acciones. La verdad no me gusta amenazar a nadie, pero se los digo con toda la claridad del mundo, hoy 12 de agosto, para que tomen conciencia y se pongan pilas”.

Ruiloba, al igual que Ortiz, se vio obligado a reconocer los hechos que ya eran públicos.

Tanto el ministro Paredes como la Antai prometieron una investigación contra este funcionario, que es sobrino del diputado del PRD, Raúl Pineda. Ya Paredes ha adelantado que ve difícil que él pueda sancionar a alguien por publicar en su cuenta personal lo que piensa.

¿Se sienten impunes?

No obstante, el abogado Ernesto Cedeño recuerda que Paredes puede echar mano del artículo 24 del Código Uniforme de Ética de los Servidores Públicos que establece que no se puede adoptar represalias o ejercer coerción contra funcionarios u otras personas, salvo que estas se enmarquen dentro del estricto ejercicio del cargo.

Además, el artículo 44 de dicho código señala que el servidor público que viole estas disposiciones será sancionado administrativamente con amonestación verbal, amonestación escrita, suspensión del cargo o destitución.

Según Cedeño los funcionarios actúan así porque creen que la política los apadrina frente a la justicia.

“Se ha perdido el respeto a la sociedad, a los valores, principios, normas jurídicas y lo que está prevaleciendo, de una manera bien férrea, es el poder político que está por encima de la ley y del poder judicial, que en medio de la pandemia es ciego, sordo y mudo”, reiteró.

Por su parte, el analista y comunicador social Edwin Cabrera considera que lo ocurrido este fin de semana con dos altos funcionarios describe no solo lo que ocurre dentro de la sociedad, sino en el seno del propio Gobierno.

“Un funcionario que amenaza a sus compañeros con represalias si no dan likes y otro que utilizaba recursos del Estado en días y horas prohibidas para hacer fiestas, denota que ambos se sienten con la suficiente fuerza, y por qué no decirlo, hasta con inmunidad, porque saben que no les va pasar nada”, resume.

Cabrera opina que el Ejecutivo debe tomar una decisión firme para mandar un mensaje claro al país que, tal y como lo ha dicho Cortizo, en su gobierno está prohibido robar, mentir y traicionar.

 

Moderator comment: Below is an unedited automated translation of the above news article.

Quote

Scandals in the Executive hit the management of Laurentino Cortizo

Olmedo Rodriguez
17 Aug 2020 - 12:21 AM

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Pedro Ortiz is now facing investigations at the Public Ministry and Antai. Taken from the internet

Two scandals that occurred this weekend directly hit the administration of President Laurentino Cortizo on crucial issues: ethics and the fight against corruption and the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Saturday, August 15, it was made public that the chief of staff of the Ministry of Housing and Land Management, José Ruiloba, with a salary of $ 5,000, threatened officials with taking action if they did not “like” publications of the Minister Rogelio Paredes and President Cortizo.

Later, images were released of an official vehicle assigned to the adviser of the Cleaning Authority, Pedro Ortiz, with a salary of $ 3,000, who was taking guests to a party organized at his residence in Dorado Lakes in full quarantine.

"If the Executive does not make a firm decision with these two officials, this atmosphere of tension and discomfort will continue to increase," said analyst Edwin Cabrera, who recalled the Executive's commitments on corruption and health.

MP accumulates investigations related to the pandemic

The Public Ministry (MP) carries out more than a dozen investigations for the possible commission of crimes against the public administration, related to alleged irregularities in contracts, cost overruns and the use of state bonds during the health crisis caused by the Covid pandemic. 19, as well as for the alleged commission of the crime of spreading a contagious disease.

Added to this is the announcement, yesterday Sunday, of an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office for the alleged commission of the crime of embezzlement of use to the detriment of the Urban and Home Cleaning Authority (AAUD), after they were published on networks social and media images of an official vehicle that was used on Saturday, August 15 to transport the guests of a party, in the middle of the quarantine.

<<O7ID2YB4JRCNNJJFRD6C4MZKFI.jpg>>
Vehicle of the Urban and Home Cleaning Authority assigned to the advisor Pedro Ortiz in the vicinity of his residence. Miguel Cavalli

Investigations everywhere

Among the investigations carried out by the MP include the construction of the modular hospital, a possible surcharge for the purchase of ventilators and alcoholic gel, a million-dollar bid at the Social Security Fund, loss of masks at the Santo Tomás Hospital, a looting of a store in Curundú , a wedding in Paitillla and a party in Patio Pinel.

In addition, in the MP there are several complaints against figures from the leadership of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) for having held a meeting with the Legislative caucus at a barbecue, in open defiance of the decisions of the health authorities that established the closure of restaurants and the prohibition of meetings of more than ten people. This meeting even included the participation of the current Minister of Labor and Social Development, Doris Zapata, in her capacity as first vice president of the PRD National Executive Committee.

In the case of Patilla's wedding and the meeting at the barbecue, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) imposed a penalty of 50 thousand dollars on each of those who organized it.

Barbecue in Dorado Lakes during quarantine

The new MP investigation would implicate an activist from this party, Pedro Ortiz, who appears on the AAUD payroll as an advisor with a salary of $ 3,000. The vehicle that was used to transport the guests to the barbecue is assigned to Ortiz for official business. In addition, the residence where the party was organized in the Dorado Lakes urbanization is rented by him.

The official acknowledged the celebration of the party, however, he tried to deny that he was in the place, which was denied by his neighbors and photographs that show a person with physical features very similar to him at the invitation. His own neighbors, who sounded pailas and asked for an exemplary sanction, were the ones who alerted the media and the authorities of this irregularity.

Ortiz said on his Twitter account that he deserved to "take responsibility" for the facts. The day before he had criticized - also on Twitter - the organizers of a protest on Calle 50, against the confinement. That protest ended with seven protesters arrested (some assaulted) and taken to a justice of the peace, who fined them $ 2,000 each. The sanction is on appeal.

Promises of sanctions

The AAUD, led by Pedro Castillo, issued a statement on Saturday night in which it rejects the misuse of State assets and actions that contradict the guidelines of the authorities in the fight against Covid-19.

The statement promises internal investigations to locate the person (s) responsible and asks the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) to proceed "with rigor." It does not speak of dismissals.

In fact, the Antai also reacted by means of a statement indicating that it will apply measures if it is found that there were officials holding quarantined parties and using State property.

The Supervision Directorate of the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic also announced the initiation of an investigation for misuse of State vehicles.

When asked about the issue, the metropolitan regional director of Health Israel Cedeño said yesterday that the maximum penalty that this agency can impose is $ 5,000.

It is the same amount that was imposed on the mayor of the capital, José Luis Fábrega, for violating the quarantine when walking along a beach in a weekend of total quarantine. The latter is also investigated by the Public Ministry for this case.

'Like the boss' ... otherwise ...

The case of the barbecue in Dorado Lakes was preceded by another scandal that also directly affects the Executive.

On Saturday an audio from the head of human resources of the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning (Miviot) circulated in which he threatened to take action against officials who did not “like” the publications of Minister Rogelio Paredes or the president in their social networks of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo.

This is José Ruiloba, who, according to the Comptroller's payroll, is listed as Miviot's chief of staff, a position in which he earns $ 5,000.

Ruiloba said in that voice note addressed to a chat of PRD officials and activists: “in this group there are 161 people, of which 90% work in the Miviot, it is not possible, that the minister, the minister, who He is the boss of all of us, he uploads a publication and only 20 or 30 people from this group, who work in the ministry and have Instagram, cannot even like the boss ”.

He concluded: “I want you to know that we are going to be measuring each of these things, and the respective actions will be taken. The truth is, I don't like to threaten anyone, but I am telling them with all the clarity in the world, today August 12, so that they become aware and get started ”.

Ruiloba, like Ortiz, was forced to acknowledge the facts that were already public.

Both Minister Paredes and Antai promised an investigation against this official, who is the nephew of the PRD deputy, Raúl Pineda. Paredes has already advanced that he sees it difficult for him to sanction someone for publishing what he thinks on his personal account.

Do they feel unpunished?

However, the lawyer Ernesto Cedeño recalls that Paredes can make use of article 24 of the Uniform Code of Ethics of Public Servants, which establishes that retaliation or coercion may not be taken against officials or other people, unless these are framed within the strict exercise of office.

In addition, article 44 of said code indicates that the public servant who violates these provisions will be administratively sanctioned with a verbal warning, written warning, suspension from office or dismissal.

According to Cedeño, officials act like this because they believe that politics sponsors them in the face of justice.

“Respect for society, values, principles, legal norms has been lost and what is prevailing, in a very iron way, is the political power that is above the law and the judiciary, which in the midst of the pandemic is blind, deaf and dumb ”, he reiterated.

For his part, the analyst and social communicator Edwin Cabrera believes that what happened this weekend with two senior officials describes not only what is happening within society, but also within the government itself.

“An official who threatens his colleagues with retaliation if they do not give likes and another who used State resources on prohibited days and hours to have parties, denotes that both feel strong enough, and why not say so, even with immunity, because they know that nothing is going to happen to them ”, he sums up.

Cabrera believes that the Executive must make a firm decision to send a clear message to the country that, as Cortizo has said, in his government it is forbidden to steal, lie and betray.

 

https://www.prensa.com/impresa/panorama/escandalos-en-el-ejecutivo-golpean-gestion-de-cortizo/