Author: spieper

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panamanian government has generated nearly $2 million for the National Treasury through the public auction of assets seized from criminal organizations. The Directorate for the Administration of Seized Assets (DABA), under the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), reported that the auctions, held from July 2024 to September 2025, yielded a total of $1,975,761.57.These funds were raised by selling a range of properties and high-value items confiscated during judicial proceedings for serious crimes. The assets originated from cases involving public corruption, money laundering, financial crimes, terrorism, weapons trafficking, and narcotics-related offenses. This initiative forms a…

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) is significantly advancing multiple infrastructure projects in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province, with substantial progress reported on road rehabilitation initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity. Current work includes street reconstruction in Changuinola and highway improvements along the Rambala-Almirante corridor, representing investments exceeding B/. 23 million to enhance transportation infrastructure and support economic development throughout the region.Changuinola Street Reconstruction Reaches 55% CompletionIn Changuinola district, the MOP is executing comprehensive reconstruction of internal streets and installing new asphalt surfacing in the Finca Las 30 bridge area. This work forms part of the “Rehabilitation of Roads and…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – A National Assembly subcommittee is currently reviewing proposals to significantly increase mandatory discounts for retirees and senior citizens at hotels, restaurants, and pharmacies. The initiative, driven by lawmakers from multiple political parties, aims to unify three separate bills to enhance social benefits for Panama’s elderly population in response to rising living costs.The proposed changes would increase restaurant discounts from 25% to 30% per meal and raise pharmacy discounts on medications from 20% to 30%. Hotel discounts would remain at 50% from Thursday to Sunday, an increase from the previous 30% that was already implemented. The unified…

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – The City of Knowledge Foundation (Fundación Ciudad del Saber) held its traditional Flag Planting ceremony on the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025. The symbolic event, a tradition for over two decades, pays homage to the patriotic gesture of May 2, 1958, when a group of Panamanian students staged “Operation Sovereignty” by planting 75 national flags in the former Canal Zone. The ceremony serves as an annual tribute to the student-led protest against U.S. control over the Canal Zone area. This act of civil disobedience became a pivotal moment in Panama’s long journey toward full sovereignty…

The National Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression has categorically rejected all threats, aggression, and intimidation against journalists in Panama, emphasizing that free and safe journalism is essential to democracy. The organization issued a public statement on Thursday, October 23, 2025, condemning a recent incident at the National Assembly where an individual posing as a journalist entered the legislative building and disrupted proceedings.The incident occurred during press coverage at the Panamanian National Assembly, prompting the Forum to demand rigorous verification of credentials and accreditation for access to spaces representing the press corps. The Forum stressed that this practice is…

The Panamanian Association of Realtors and Real Estate Promoters (Acobir) has announced that the Expo Inmobiliaria Acobir 2026, one of the country’s most significant property fairs, will take place from January 22 to 25, 2026, at the Panama Convention Center. The event aims to secure bank approvals exceeding $80 million, marking its debut as the first major industry showcase to operate under Panama’s new Preferential Interest Law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026.This flagship real estate exposition will feature over 100 exhibitors and more than 300 residential, commercial, and tourism projects. Organizers confirmed the event will offer options for…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) is expanding its network of affordable food markets, known as “agroferias,” across multiple provinces this Friday. The initiative aims to provide Panamanian families with direct access to staple foods at below-market prices as part of the government’s ongoing food security strategy. The agroferias will operate simultaneously in nine locations spanning eight provinces, including Herrera, Veraguas, Chiriquí, Coclé, Panama Oeste, Panama Este, Los Santos, and the capital district. All markets will open at 8:00 a.m., offering a comprehensive selection of essential items from the basic food basket. View this post on…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The district of Arraiján in West Panama will enforce a total ban on alcohol sales for 24 hours on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in observance of the Day of the Dead. The measure, established by official decree, aims to ensure public order and citizen security during a national day of remembrance.The prohibition is mandated by Decree No. 7 from August 19, 2024, which was formally published in the Official Gazette No. 30152-B. The “Ley Seca,” or Dry Law, will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on November 2, encompassing the entire district.Scope of…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have formally committed to restoring at least 10,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems in Panama. The joint initiative, part of the nation’s groundbreaking Panama with Nature Pact, aims to mobilize resources and align existing investments to address a “triple environmental crisis.”The commitment was solidified during a high-level meeting between Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro and FAO representatives. The restoration efforts will be concentrated in the Azuero peninsula and the Darién region, utilizing established programs and new funding mechanisms to combat climate change, biodiversity…

Panama City, Panama – The Dr. José Renán Esquivel Children’s Hospital has reported treating at least 179 children for burn injuries between January and June 2025, with most victims being between one and four years old. According to hospital officials, the majority of these incidents occurred within homes and were entirely preventable, prompting renewed calls for enhanced safety measures.Dr. Marvis Corro, a Pediatrician specializing in burns at the hospital, emphasized that most injuries result from scalds caused by hot liquids or oil. The hospital revealed this concerning data during a training session held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, designed to…