Committee to investigate IPS expected to begin work next week, with Dionisio Amarilla tipped as chair

A Paraguayan Senate committee examining alleged irregularities at the Social Security Institute, known as IPS, could begin work as early as Monday or Tuesday. Natalicio Chase, leader of the ruling Colorado Party bloc in the Senate, said the panel was likely to choose liberal senator Dionisio Amarilla as its chair.

The committee will rely heavily on what Chase called the Comptroller General’s “devastating” report on IPS. He said the document would serve as “the basis of the study” as lawmakers decide the scope of the investigation. The report identified issues including alleged fake works and cost overruns.

Chase said the panel should not limit itself to the findings already documented. It will also consider complaints submitted while the committee operates, and he argued that the inquiry should trace the problems back to their origins because, in his view, the defects at IPS date back a long time.

“

the basis of the study

The comptroller’s office is expected to be among the first bodies summoned. The committee also plans to hear from suppliers and IPS officials. The inquiry will focus primarily on IPS but will include the Health Ministry after Senator Esperanza Martínez requested the broader mandate during a Senate session.

Chase stressed that the committee can investigate but cannot prosecute. If its report produces conclusive findings, he said it will be sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Amarilla’s appointment is not final, and members will decide the panel’s leadership at the installation meeting. The committee has a Colorado Party majority.

“

I think the defect at IPS dates back a long time.