Academic Condemns Potential Appointment of Ex-Mayor Eric Domínguez to Veracruz Oversight Body

Rafael Vela, an academic at the Universidad Veracruzana, has strongly opposed the potential appointment of Eric Domínguez Vázquez, the former mayor of Papantla and current state government's Undersecretary of Administration and Finance, to head the State Superior Audit Office (Orfis). Vela expressed dismay at the prospect of placing an individual accused of financial misconduct in a position responsible for overseeing public funds.

"It is an infamous situation, how are you going to put someone at the head of an institution that must guarantee the proper management of the treasury when someone is pointed out for mismanagement, corruption, and theft?" Vela stated, highlighting the perceived contradiction.

Political circles and various columnists have suggested Domínguez Vázquez is a candidate for the position of General Auditor. This possibility has drawn significant criticism, as he reportedly faces multiple observations and open processes totaling 88 million pesos across various audits. These allegations cast a shadow over his suitability for a role demanding utmost integrity and transparency.

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It is an infamous situation, how are you going to put someone at the head of an institution that must guarantee the proper management of the treasury when someone is pointed out for mismanagement, corruption, and theft?

Vela lamented the impact of such potential appointments on the public. "The worst part is the sacrifice of the people of Veracruz, living in an environment of corruption, theft, and plunder. Instead of strengthening the culture of the ruling political class, what is being done is destroying the concepts of ethics, morality, transparency, and justice," he argued.

Public records from the Superior Audit Federation show that Domínguez Vázquez had two observations in 2022 totaling 31 million pesos. In 2024, the total amount observed reached $56,995,256.52 pesos, which are still under review. The combined total observed amount for 2022 and 2024 stands at 88 million pesos. One specific audit concerning federalized spending from the Fund for Contributions to Municipal Social Infrastructure indicated that the municipality made payments in 2022 without providing documentation to prove they were made within the established deadlines, suggesting a potential damage to the Federal Public Treasury amounting to 26 million 305 thousand 739.58 pesos, plus financial yields.

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The worst part is the sacrifice of the people of Veracruz, living in an environment of corruption, theft, and plunder. Instead of strengthening the culture of the ruling political class, what is being done is destroying the concepts of ethics, morality, transparency, and justice.