Panama’s Assembly committee approved a bill to toughen penalties for public employees who get paid without working, known as “botellas.” But after key sanctions against officials who make the appointments were removed, critics say the measure may fall short.
China has rejected a U.S.-led regional statement supporting Panama in a canal dispute, accusing Washington of politicizing the issue. The exchange highlights the canal’s central role in sovereignty, trade and geopolitical competition.
The United States and several Latin American and Caribbean nations issued a joint statement supporting Panama’s sovereignty. The move underscores the country’s strategic importance and regional diplomatic weight.
The Panama Canal is seeing more vessel traffic as conflict in the Middle East pushes shipping companies to rethink global routes. The trend highlights the canal’s continuing importance to world trade and Panama’s economy.
Staff linked to Panama’s Vamos bancada are facing uncertainty over pay as the current legislative period ends on April 30. The case centers on workers reportedly under unpaid leave status.
The United States has renewed its support for Panama as concerns grow over China’s influence. The dispute highlights Panama’s strategic role because of the canal and its importance in global trade.
Renal patients at Hospital Santo Tomás are reporting shortages of supplies and overcrowded treatment areas, saying the situation is affecting more than 600 people who depend on these services. They are also raising concerns about food provided after treatment.
Panama’s everyday citizens are facing a daily squeeze of long commutes, rising costs, fragile work and weak public services. Their reality reflects the country’s sharp divide between development and exclusion.
Several communities in Chiriquí have been without water for two days after vandals stole wiring and copper from a water intake facility. The theft damaged the station and left a costly repair job for local crews.
Farmers in Panama are protesting a proposed reservoir on the Indio River, a project aimed at protecting Panama Canal water supplies during future droughts. The plan highlights the growing conflict between canal water needs and rural livelihoods.
The United States and allies have backed Panama’s sovereignty in a joint statement amid renewed tensions involving the Panama Canal and Panama-flagged vessels. The move highlights the canal’s importance to global trade and Panama’s national authority over the waterway.
The United States and its allies issued a joint statement backing Panama’s sovereignty amid continuing tensions involving canal-related actions and Panama-flagged vessels. The move reinforces international support for Panama’s control over its strategic waterway.
More than 400 aspiring community judges in Panama have begun training in administrative procedures, special laws and alternative dispute resolution. The program aims to strengthen local justice and improve neighborhood conflict handling.
The United States and allies issued a statement backing Panama’s sovereignty amid tensions involving Panama-flagged vessels and the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores the canal’s global importance and Panama’s control over the strategic waterway.
Anti-corruption prosecutors found expired medical supplies in CSS storage in Felipillo after an internal audit by the Social Security Fund. The case raises new concerns about inventory control in Panama’s public health system.
Farmers in Panama’s Chagres district marched against a planned Indio River reservoir they say would destroy farmland and force relocations. The Panama Canal Authority says the $1.6 billion project is vital to protect canal water supplies during droughts.
Several hemispheric governments and the United States backed Panama as detentions of Panama-flagged ships in Chinese ports surged. The dispute has raised concerns about sovereignty and the security of maritime trade.
Panama has reiterated the neutrality of the Panama Canal as the Middle East war heightens concern over global shipping routes. The canal remains a vital link for about 5% of world maritime trade.
The United States and allied countries issued a statement supporting Panama’s sovereignty, underscoring the country’s strategic role and international importance. The message reinforces diplomatic backing for Panama’s territorial integrity and independence.
Panama reaffirmed the neutrality of the Panama Canal as Middle East tensions and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz raised global shipping concerns. The move underscores the canal’s importance as a protected route for international trade.