Author: michaelm

Panama’s public services regulator conducted a surprise inspection at two major telecommunications agencies last weekend. The operation targeted customer service centers for Tigo and Más Móvil inside the Multiplaza shopping center in Panama City.The National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) carried out the inspection on Saturday, February 21. Officials stated the goal was to verify compliance with service quality standards, response times, and customer rights protections.Regulators Target Service Quality StandardsDuring the unannounced visit, ASEP personnel performed detailed checks and interviewed customers. They also reviewed internal service processes at both locations. The operation was coordinated by the national director of Telecommunications,…

Panama is falling behind neighboring countries in attracting new industrial investment, according to a stark new report from the nation’s leading manufacturing association. The Union of Industrialists of Panama (SIP) warns that the country is losing ground to regional economies like Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, particularly for large-scale production projects. This trend threatens the long-term stability of Panama’s economic model, which has recently relied heavily on service sector growth.The findings come from the SIP’s latest economic report, titled “Performance of the Industrial Sector: Perspectives on the Panamanian Economy, Challenges and Opportunities for Industry.” The document, prepared with specialized…

The Panamanian government has introduced legislation to criminalize the wearing of masks during public demonstrations. The executive branch’s Cabinet (government) approved the proposal on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, seeking penalties of two to six years in prison for offenders.This move follows a series of recent protests against social security reforms, where some participants concealed their identities. The bill aims to amend the country’s Penal Code by adding a new article specifically targeting facial coverings used with violent intent.New Penal Article Targets ConcealmentMinister of Government Dinoska Montalvo received authorization to present Bill No. 8-26 to the National Assembly (Panama). The proposed…

A significant earthquake shook the border region between Panama and Costa Rica on Tuesday afternoon. The tremor, with a preliminary earthquake magnitude of 5.5, occurred at 3:38 p.m. local time on February 24, 2026.The University of Panama Institute of Geosciences located the epicenter just 5 kilometers south of Puerto Armuelles in Panama’s Chiriquí province. Seismic activity originated at a depth of 19 kilometers near the international boundary with Costa Rica.Official Reports and Public ResponseAuthorities issued their initial assessment quickly via social media. The institute’s official account posted the basic parameters, classifying the event as preliminary. No immediate reports of casualties…

Panama’s mandated senior discount system, a cornerstone of its retirement appeal, is under significant strain from business owners and fiscal realities. Known locally as “Jubilado” benefits, the program provides sweeping price reductions for retirees but places the full financial burden on the private sector. This arrangement is fueling a visible economic tension as the country moves through 2026.Legal Foundation and Broad EligibilityThe system is not a courtesy. It is a legal right established by Law 6 of 1987 (Panama). This law mandates discounts for Panamanian citizens and qualified foreign residents. Eligibility extends to Panamanian men aged 60 and women aged…

A 74 year old man was killed in Panama City last week after a Carnival traffic diversion led him into a neighborhood controlled by criminal gangs. The death of Rafael Parada has reignited a difficult public debate about so called “red zones,” territorial control by gangs, and the invisible boundaries that divide the capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Patio Pinel area of the Santa Ana district.Authorities confirmed that Parada was using a digital navigation app to reach the Casco Antiguo historic district when road closures for Carnival festivities rerouted his…

A new wave of expatriate entrepreneurs is reshaping Panama’s commercial landscape, moving the economy beyond its famous canal and large multinationals. Data from the nation’s official Public Registry of Panama reveals a significant pivot toward sustainable, niche-focused small businesses. This trend is creating a network of specialized “micro-hubs” across the country.The business formation numbers tell a story of quality over quantity. Panama recorded 7,697 new business registrations in 2024. That figure represents a slight 3.8 percent adjustment from the prior year. Analysts see it as a sign of maturation, moving past a previous “gold rush” era focused on company volume.…

Panama City’s social landscape is being reshaped by a booming craft beer movement. New market data from early 2026 reveals a significant shift in consumer habits, with nearly one in ten Panamanian adults now regularly choosing artisanal brews. This surge is centered on neighborhood brew pubs that have become essential community hubs.While traditional mass-market beer production saw a slight decline recently, the craft segment is experiencing steady annual growth. The “on-trade” sector, where beer is consumed at the brewery, dominates this expansion. Drinkers are actively trading quantity for quality, often selecting a five-dollar craft pint over cheaper commercial alternatives.Brew Pubs…

The National Bar Association of Panama has publicly endorsed a controversial Supreme Court ruling to seal its internal records. This move places the nation’s largest lawyers’ guild directly at odds with civil society groups who are calling the decision a major setback for judicial transparency and public accountability.Maritza Cedeño Vásquez, president of the bar association, defended the court’s position this week. She argued the primary focus should remain on judicial efficiency, not public access to internal deliberations. The court’s plenary session recently approved two agreements classifying the minutes of its discussions and visitor logs to judicial offices as confidential documents.”In…

Panama’s National Migration Service approved 33,262 residency applications last year, achieving a 95 percent approval rate. The agency processed a total of 35,017 applications from individuals seeking to live legally in the Central American nation, according to official 2025 statistics released this week.The data reveals a consistent and efficient system for legal migration. Only 1,755 applications, representing five percent of the total, faced denial. This high success rate underscores the accessible pathways available for qualified applicants. Administrative activity remained strong throughout all twelve months.”These numbers reflect a transparent and standardized process that welcomes individuals who contribute to our society,” said…