Author: Sebastian Pieper

Panamanian judicial authorities have launched a new public safety campaign targeting a surge in online shopping scams. The Dirección de Investigación Judicial (DIJ) reported a significant increase in complaints linked to fraudulent transactions on social media platforms and unverified websites. This warning comes as more consumers turn to digital marketplaces for their purchases, creating fresh opportunities for criminals.Officials detailed specific precautions that buyers must take to avoid financial loss. Their primary advice focuses on verifying seller identities and choosing secure payment and meeting locations.Do Not Send Advance PaymentsVladimir Gonzalez, head of the Cybercrime Unit at the Judicial Investigation Directorate, emphasized…

The Panamanian government authorized a major aviation purchase this week to strengthen national security operations. The Cabinet Council (Panama) approved the acquisition of two new helicopters for the country’s aeronaval service. Officials allocated more than ten million dollars from an insurance payout linked to a previous aircraft accident.This significant investment aims to restore critical operational capabilities that have diminished due to an aging fleet. The new aircraft will enhance surveillance and rapid response across Panama’s diverse and challenging geography.Funding Sourced from Insurance RecoveryApproval for the purchase came during a session held this Tuesday. The council greenlit an expenditure of $10,490,066,…

The Panama Canal Authority will begin meetings next week with companies interested in bidding on two new port terminal projects. Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez confirmed the schedule as part of the waterway’s broader strategy to diversify its services beyond traditional transits. These port developments represent a significant expansion of the Canal’s logistical capabilities.Vásquez revealed that the meetings for the Corozal and Isla Telfers terminals will start Monday. Multiple Asian companies and firms from other global regions have already expressed interest in participating. The bidding process comes as the Canal reports a seven percent increase in transits during October, demonstrating continued shipping…

A constitutional challenge has been filed against Panama’s recently enacted Law 500, which fundamentally alters the professional requirements for practicing law. Lawyer Julio Fidel Macías presented the lawsuit to the nation’s Supreme Court of Justice just one day after the law was officially published. The legal action seeks to have the statute declared unconstitutional, arguing it dismantles essential professional safeguards.Law 500, sanctioned by the National Assembly and published in the official gazette, eliminates the mandatory national bar exam as a prerequisite for legal practice. This legislative change was pushed through via an override of a presidential veto, setting the stage…

President Jose Raul Mulino’s path to Panama’s presidency faced a constitutional challenge that now involves a notarized record of private communications. The lawyer who filed the lawsuit against Mulino’s candidacy created an 85-page notarized document containing WhatsApp messages about the legal effort. This development comes just days after President Mulino revealed he warned electoral magistrates he would “set the country on fire” if barred from the 2024 election. Karisma Karamañites, the attorney who brought the constitutional challenge, appeared before notary Fabian Ruiz on May 28, 2024, to formalize the document. Her action occurred nearly three weeks after the Supreme Court…

Panama’s Labor Minister, Jackeline Muñoz, expressed confidence that worker and employer representatives will reach a consensus on a new national minimum wage by December 10. The minister made these remarks during a media briefing this week, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue’s peaceful and productive nature. This negotiation process aims to establish a new wage floor that balances worker needs with the economic realities faced by businesses across the country.The formal discussion table has already approved its internal regulations and work schedule. Initial technical meetings included presentations from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Panama), among other government bodies, providing economic statistics…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has sanctioned a major overhaul of the nation’s legal profession regulations. The new law, known as Law 500 of 2025, establishes stricter requirements for becoming a practicing lawyer and imposes harsh penalties for the illegal practice of law. This legislative action concluded a political standoff after the National Assembly of Panama approved the bill by insistence, overriding a presidential veto.The legal document, contained in Bill 168 of 2025, introduces substantial changes to the professional fitness certification process. These reforms directly impact how new lawyers qualify for practice, centralize examination authority, and address unauthorized legal activities.…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has signed a law that makes the country’s official sex offender registry publicly accessible for the first time. The legislation, which reforms Law 244 of 2021, aims to provide citizens, institutions, and communities with direct access to updated information on individuals convicted of sexual crimes. This move represents a significant shift in the nation’s approach to public safety and crime prevention.The newly sanctioned law creates and regulates the National Registry of Sex Offenders. This official system will contain detailed information on adults who have been convicted or are currently serving sentences for sexual offenses, sexual…

The United States Embassy in Panama will prioritize visa applications for Panamanian soccer fans traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ambassador Kevin Cabrera confirmed the expedited process this week, urging supporters to apply early even though Panama’s final match locations are not yet known. This initiative follows a high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino focused on streamlining consular procedures for the global tournament.Ambassador Cabrera made the announcement during official events in Colon, linking the policy directly to Panama’s recent qualification for the tournament. He congratulated the national team on its victory against El…

Panama is initiating a comprehensive national dialogue to confront a significant increase in chronic respiratory illnesses. The Ministry of Health announced the new multisectoral strategy during the opening of the National Respiratory Health Forum, an event supported by the British Embassy in Panama and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. This effort aligns with the country’s commitments to meet global health targets set by the World Health Organization for 2025.Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo opened the forum by outlining the pressing challenges. He acknowledged advancements in early detection but pointed to two converging factors driving the crisis. Panama’s aging population and widespread…