The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) made public the decisions adopted after completing various administrative investigations in which violations of the Uniform Code of Ethics for Public Servants were confirmed.
As a result, the entity imposed sanctions ranging from salary deductions and fines to recommendations for dismissal.
Among the cases highlighted by the institution are:
Autonomous University of Chiriquí (UNACHI): 10 public servants were sanctioned for engaging in nepotism by working within the same administrative unit along with their families.
In the same institution, an official received a sanction with a 30% deduction from her monthly salary for inappropriate use of work time, after accumulating 33 tardiness in a period of four months.
Social Security Fund (CSS): ANTAI recommended the dismissal of two officials for serious errors in the attendance record (marking).
The investigation determined the absence of formal resolutions that exempted them from said control, as well as the lack of mechanisms to verify compliance with their work schedules.
Mayor’s Office of the Arraiján district: A fine equivalent to 50% of her monthly salary was imposed on Mayor Stephany Peñalba after a conflict of interest was found due to the hiring of two cousins.
The entity specified that, even though those hired submitted their resignation in January of this year, the hiring constituted a violation of current ethical provisions.
Additionally, ANTAI recommended the dismissal of an official who maintained a bond of affinity with the mayor, being the mother of the children of one of the first cousins hired by her, a situation that also constitutes a conflict of interest.
The entity also took measures with other institutions, such as:
General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) regional of the province of Coclé: Two public servants were sanctioned for incurring a conflict of interest. Among the proven facts, one of the officials personally represented another public servant in litigation processes during his work day, compromising impartiality and the proper performance of his duties.
National Institute of Vocational Training and Training for Human Development (INADEH): A public servant was sanctioned for not meeting the requirements established for the position he held.
Regional Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) of the province of Chiriquí: A public servant was sanctioned for failing to comply with his work hours, in contravention of the duties of the public function. Government of the province of Panama: A public servant was sanctioned when it was found that she did not meet the requirements for the position for which she was appointed.
