The interim rector of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) has announced a major push for financial oversight. Pedro González Beerman said the university requested a forensic audit from the Comptroller General of the Republic. He also asked President José Raúl Mulino to form a technical committee to address the institution’s financial and administrative crisis.
González Beerman was appointed by the General University Council (CGU) to lead the university until August 31. He stated his primary responsibility is to guarantee a transparent electoral process. This process will allow the university community to choose new authorities. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the university’s financial stability.
Forensic Audit Requested for 2013 to 2026 Period
The interim Rector confirmed that last Friday they submitted a formal request to the Comptroller’s office. The request asks for a forensic audit covering the period from 2013 to 2026. The goal is to clarify doubts about the institution’s administrative and financial management.
González Beerman explained that the Comptroller’s office had already completed an audit for the 2013 to 2024 period. However, the university has not yet received the final report. The new audit seeks to determine potential responsibilities. It aims to strengthen institutional transparency across the board.
“The new audit seeks to determine possible responsibilities and strengthen institutional transparency.” [Translated from Spanish]
The situation has created serious problems for university employees. According to González Beerman, workers have not received their salaries for the last pay period. The delays have also affected payments to creditors and banking institutions. Three pay periods remain unpaid to creditors, which could impact workers’ financial commitments like mortgages and loans.
Financial Crisis Prompts Direct Appeal to President Mulino
The interim administration published an open letter to President José Raúl Mulino. The letter requests the creation of a technical committee with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The committee would evaluate financial and budgetary adjustments to ensure the university can continue operations.
González Beerman warned about the consequences of the financial crisis. Funds are deducted from employee paychecks, but the corresponding transfers to banks and creditors have not been completed. He said this puts workers at risk of losing their homes and other assets.
“We have a problem with the banks. It could put our collaborators at risk of losing these assets.” [Translated from Spanish]
Ongoing Investigations and Electoral Process
When asked about investigations pending at the Public Ministry related to previous administrations, González Beerman said the university will maintain full openness. He promised to facilitate all information required by authorities. The forensic audit will help clarify the facts and determine who is responsible.
The interim Beerman also addressed student groups who demanded the resignation of all university authorities. He explained that university rules establish a succession process. This prevents leaving the institution without leadership. The University Electoral Tribunal has already called for elections. The candidate nomination period runs this week.
The electoral process will take approximately two months. It aims to legitimize the new university authorities. González Beerman participated as a candidate for rector in the 2023 elections. He avoided confirming a new candidacy this time. His current priority is managing the transition process.
The interim rector emphasized that the goal is to recover the trust of the university community. Strengthening transparency at the institution is the top priority. This comes after months of intense questioning about Unachi’s management. The General University Council appointed González Beerman to stabilize the situation.
The university faces significant challenges ahead. The forensic audit will take time to complete. The technical committee must find solutions to the budget shortfall. Employees are waiting for their back pay. The electoral process must proceed without interference. González Beerman said he is committed to all of these tasks.
#NoticiasTVN Rector interino de la Unachi promete elecciones transparentes y pide a Mulino mesa técnica por crisis financiera https://t.co/RfeUOi8V1e
— TVN Noticias (@tvnnoticias) June 15, 2026