Trial of judicial official and doctor over alleged fake medical certificate set for August 2027

The oral trial of a judicial official and a doctor accused over an allegedly false medical incapacity certificate will begin on Aug. 30, 2027, at the Judicial Branch in David, Chiriquí, at 9 a.m.

Judge Elvia Pittí, of Chiriquí’s Accusatory Criminal System, set the date after issuing the order opening the case for trial under Resolution No. 540. Both women will stand trial as alleged perpetrators, but prosecutors attribute different conduct to each.

The doctor faces an allegation of ideological falsehood, classified as an offense against public faith. The judicial official faces allegations involving the use of false documents and obtaining a benefit through them.

The case dates to Sept. 12, 2022, when the doctor allegedly issued a medical incapacity certificate for the judicial employee. Immigration records indicate that the official had traveled to Colombia during the dates covered by the leave. Prosecutors say the conduct caused harm to the Judicial Branch and Panama’s Social Security Fund.

Public prosecutor Lisneth Arcia represented the prosecution during the accusation hearing. Public defender Lilibeth Castillo represented the doctor, while private attorney Gabriel Castillo represented the judicial official.