Panama's Comptroller seizes school bus used irregularly by deputy mayor

The Comptroller General of the Republic has ordered the seizure of an official bus assigned to the Nueva California Basic Educational Center in Chiriquí province. This action follows confirmation that the vehicle was used improperly, stemming from a citizen complaint about its alleged misuse.

National Directorate of Auditing teams initiated an administrative investigation to verify the claims. During their review, auditors identified inconsistencies in documentation submitted by the Tierras Altas Mayor's Office, the school's administration to the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Education, and in the vehicle's retention slips. Crucially, they confirmed that the bus was being driven by the district's deputy mayor.

Based on this evidence, the Comptroller's office determined that administrative responsibilities existed. Sanctions were applied to both the Tierras Altas Mayor's Office and the Ministry of Education (Meduca), proportionate to their involvement in the irregularities. The bus has been ordered to remain seized as part of the measures taken.

The Comptroller's office reiterated its commitment to transparent and timely oversight of state assets and to addressing citizen complaints to protect public resources. The statement was dated August 4, 2026.