For the past month, ongoing protests by teachers opposing proposed changes to Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS) have disrupted regular school operations across the country. As classrooms remain closed, the Comptroller General’s Office has issued a formal explanation for suspending the salaries of those participating in the demonstrations.
In a recent statement, officials from the Comptroller’s Office cited Article 29 of Law 32 from 1984 as the legal foundation for their decision. The law permits the suspension of public payments to government workers involved in irregular actions, particularly when public funds are at risk.
According to the Comptroller’s Office, this measure is not designed to target individuals but to ensure responsible use of state resources.
Legal Measures to Safeguard State Funds
The article invoked by the Comptroller authorizes the office to withhold salaries or other financial benefits when there is a need to protect government interests.
The law applies not only to civil servants but also to any person involved in activities that may be seen as misuse of state time or resources. The Comptroller explained that precautionary financial measures may also be implemented to prevent potential harm to public funds.
In response to criticism from teacher groups and unions, the Comptroller emphasized that its actions follow the existing legal structure and aim to uphold public responsibility. The agency affirmed that it remains committed to transparency and is working within the scope of national law.
Education Ministry Aligns with Comptroller’s Decision
The Ministry of Education has also taken steps to withhold salaries from teachers who have not been reporting to work during the protests. Education Minister Lucy Molinar expressed regret over the situation but stood by the decision, stating that teachers who fail to meet their job responsibilities cannot receive payment.
Minister Molinar noted that while the right to protest is respected, public servants have a duty to perform their roles. She explained that withholding pay from absent educators is a necessary step to maintain accountability within the education system.
Over the last four weeks, numerous teacher unions have rallied against reforms to the CSS, arguing that the proposed changes will negatively affect workers’ retirement and healthcare benefits. However, the continued protests have significantly disrupted learning for students across the nation.
The decision to suspend payments has drawn both support and criticism. Some believe it is a necessary move to ensure public funds are not misused, while others view it as a pressure tactic against workers exercising their right to protest.
Regardless, both the Comptroller and the Education Ministry have made it clear that their priority remains the lawful and efficient operation of the public sector.
