March 17, 2026

The IMA will hold agroferias in Panama on March 18–19, opening at 8:00 a.m. both days and offering quality products at accessible prices.

A 61-year-old American tourist, Tiffany Rau, drowned at Las Lajas Beach in Chiriquí despite resuscitation efforts; authorities are investigating amid recent strong-wave warnings.

A CK Hutchison unit says Panama failed to respond to a lawsuit over a ports seizure, while Panamanian authorities have issued rebuttals and administrative filings, the report says.

The Panamanian government presented a detailed action plan to CD deputies on March 17 to coordinate infrastructure and basic services projects addressing the country’s water crisis, seeking closer executive-legislative cooperation.

Panama’s Ministry of Culture is offering a full scholarship for a three‑month film course at the Asian Academy of Film & Television in India, opening opportunities for Panamanian filmmakers to gain international training.

Panama authorities dismantled a child pornography network in Bocas del Toro, arresting five people and seizing 40 electronic devices. The case is part of a wider, multi-year effort against child sexual exploitation across provinces.

A proposed Panamanian law to mix ethanol into gasoline has prompted concerns about higher costs for consumers, with calls for detailed economic analysis and stakeholder consultation.

Education Minister Lucy Molinar says she will not sign university accreditations without real substantiation and has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in accreditation processes.

Panama’s Court of Accounts ordered former DGI director Luis Cucalón, Cristóbal Salerno and Cobranzas del Istmo to pay $4.4 million after finding irregularities in a 2010 tax-collection contract.

Panama’s Caja de Seguro Social said it will begin paying a permanent bonus to retirees and pensioners in April 2026, with details on amount and payment schedule to follow.

Around 1,000 tunics for Casco Antiguo’s Semana Santa processions are being prepared weeks in advance with volunteer support, honoring the distinct identities of each cofradía.

MiAmbiente announced a reward to capture the person responsible for deliberate fires in La Yeguada, with Minister Juan Carlos Navarro urging information as investigators probe the incidents.

The MEF has set rules for Panama’s 2026 Fiscal Lottery: invoices dated March 15–May 15 are eligible, a new four-region draw format is established, and strict envelope and documentation rules apply.

The Middle East war is creating global economic shocks that reach Panama through trade, shipping and financial channels; sectors urge contingency measures to protect vulnerable populations.

Deputy Jairo Salazar proposed a bill requiring retailers in Panama to replace defective products within five days, shifting replacement responsibility onto merchants.

Acodeco reports a slight February rise in chicken and soup-meat prices within Panama’s Canasta Básica and warns the increase could continue into March, potentially affecting household budgets.

Journalistic guilds met with National Assembly President Jorge Herrera, who pledged to advance review of Ley 391 on the right of reply with the responsible commission and the Assembly Board.

Panama’s Commerce Commission questioned making a 10% bioethanol fuel blend mandatory under Bill 443 after producers presented support during the bill’s first debate.

DatamarNews reports that conflict choking the Strait of Hormuz has pushed some shipping through the Panama Canal, boosting transits and activity for Panama’s maritime sector.

Hutchison has publicly stepped up criticism of Panama in an ongoing dispute over a port terminal, raising concerns about investor sentiment and potential impacts on port operations and trade flows.