Panama Comptroller Makes Surprise Visit to Unachi, Cites Embezzlement Probe

Panama's Comptroller General, Anel Flores, conducted an unannounced inspection of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) on Friday. The visit aimed to directly assess the university's resource management and administrative practices.

Flores stated that his office will closely observe the university's operations, particularly after the election of a new rector, to ensure proper budgetary oversight. He revealed that judicial authorities are investigating several cases of alleged embezzlement, including issues with payroll and salary collection, and dual employment roles within the higher education sector.

"There are several cases in the Prosecutor's Office concerning dual functions and collections, which ultimately amount to embezzlement of public funds. These are the least of them; we want to settle the most significant ones," Flores declared. He also criticized the disproportionate state budget allocations, citing the University of Panama's budget exceeding 350 million balboas, which he found incongruous with the poor condition of its facilities, calling the state of the campuses "inconceivable."

Pedro González, the interim rector of Unachi, welcomed the comptroller's visit, emphasizing its importance for institutional transparency. "We believe it can have very good results so he can see firsthand how the university is, how the grounds and classrooms are. It is important for state authorities to know the university," González stated. Both parties agreed on the need for continued collaboration to address administrative anomalies and ensure the educational continuity for Unachi's students.