The University Council of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) did not have the legal or regulatory power not to accept the resignation of Etelvina Medianero De Bonagas as rector of the house of studies. This is the conclusion reached by the Administration Attorney’s Office, communicated through a formal letter to the Minister of Education in charge, Roberto Sevillano.
“Resignation from a public office is a manifestation of personal will and an expression of the exercise of freedom; therefore, its presentation entails, for the State, the obligation to accept it within a reasonable term, except for the exceptions determined by the Constitution or the law.”explains in the letter the Attorney General of the Administration Grettel Villalaz De Allen.
It adds that the resignation, dated May 11, 2026 and addressed to the General University Council of Unachi, is not an administrative act subject to evaluation or appealable decision by any administrative body within the university.
“The Unachi General University Council, as the highest internal government body, has the obligation to receive, accept and formalize the resignation of the rector of said university when the resignation is presented to said collegiate body, and immediately proceed as established by law, in order to cover the absolute vacancy, with the objective of ensuring institutional stability and university autonomy.”concludes the letter.
It also details that when there is an absolute vacancy in the position of rector during the first four years of the period, it is up to the Superior Election Court to call new elections within a period of no more than three months to complete the period. If the vacancy occurs in the last year of the term, the academic vice-rector would fill it.
