Panama’s National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) has opened formal investigations into at least ten municipalities for failing to publish any required data on the National Active Transparency Platform. The agency confirmed the investigations this week, revealing a complete lack of compliance with a foundational 2002 transparency law. This legal mandate is designed to ensure public access to information about how state funds are managed and spent.
The investigations, known as “oficio” probes, were initiated after the agency’s monitoring found the municipalities had posted zero information to the public platform. This platform is a critical tool for transparency in government, allowing citizens to track budgets, contracts, and administrative actions. The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Panama) stated the situation represents a severe breach of Law No. 6, which governs public transparency and guarantees the citizen’s right to information.
“A good government is founded on accountability, transparency, and respect for the right of every citizen to know how state resources are administered,” the institution emphasized. [Translated from Spanish]
ANTAI officials stressed that transparency is not an optional practice but a legal duty and an ethical commitment to the public. They argued that rigorous accountability strengthens institutional trust and helps consolidate democratic norms. The agency has repeatedly issued reminders to all public bodies about their obligations under the law, particularly concerning the management and proper use of public funds.
Wider Context of Administrative Complaints
This crackdown on municipal non-compliance occurs within a broader landscape of heightened scrutiny. So far in 2025, ANTAI has already received more than 700 complaints regarding administrative faults linked to corruption. The agency’s recent actions signal a more aggressive enforcement posture. While the names of the ten municipalities under investigation were not disclosed, the move has sent a clear message to local governments nationwide.
Determining the specific responsibilities within each town hall is the next step for investigators. The goal is to enforce existing regulations and mandate future compliance. This push for openness comes amid other significant fiscal actions, including a recent approval of over $12 million for constructing 50 wooden bridges in the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, a project demanding clear oversight. It also follows public disputes where other municipalities have demanded hundreds of millons in unpaid taxes, highlighting ongoing tensions in public financial management.
“Transparency is not optional,” ANTAI stated unequivocally. The authority framed it as a fundamental pillar for democratic health. [Translated from Spanish]
Beyond the investigations, the agency is calling on citizens to actively exercise their right to request information. Public pressure is seen as a vital component in ensuring government bodies adhere to the law. The failure to publish information proactively on the platform forces citizens to file individual information requests, a slower and more cumbersome process for all parties involved.
The current situation underscores a persistent challenge in Panama’s governance. Even with established laws and digital platforms designed to foster openness, implementation remains inconsistent. The work of the autoridad nacional/national authority often involves not just processing complaints but compelling initial compliance from various government branches. The outcome of these ten municipal investigations will be a key test of the authority’s enforcement capabilities and the tangible consequences for non-compliance.