News

A Panama lawmaker has proposed banning discretionary public funds used by top officials, arguing they have enabled years of unchecked spending. The push comes after at least $201.4 million was spent through the mechanism since 1994.

Panama’s land bridge formed millions of years ago, reshaping migration, rainfall, and biodiversity. Today, the Panama Canal makes freshwater management one of the country’s most important challenges.

Adolescent pregnancy in Panama is driven largely by adult men, not teenage girls, according to official figures. The fight against it depends on changing male behavior and the social norms that excuse abuse.

Panamanian airlines, hotels and merchants are opposing a bill that would raise the senior discount on airfare from 25% to 35%. Lawmakers will resume debate after the Ministry of Economy and Finance weighs in.

Street homelessness is becoming more visible in Panama City, including in Ancón, where officials and community leaders are calling for sustained action. While estimates vary, pending bills and stalled interagency efforts show a growing gap between the scale of the problem and the public response.

April is the key month for Panama property owners to review the IBI, pay the first installment by April 30, and qualify for a 10% annual discount. Missing deadlines brings surcharges and late interest.

The Panama Papers became a landmark investigation into offshore secrecy, placing Panama at the center of a global debate over hidden wealth and financial transparency. The revelations transformed how governments and the public view shell companies and opaque ownership structures.

Panama’s energy pressures are putting household budgets under strain, making savings, efficiency and careful planning more important. The focus is on reducing waste at home, managing fuel use and building financial buffers against inflation.

Panama is being positioned as a potential hub for energy buffering, with pre-positioned fuel stocks seen as a way to reduce global supply disruptions. The proposal could also bring investment and logistics activity into the country.

Vendors at Merca Panamá are reporting lower customer traffic and weaker sales as prices hold steady for some products and rise for others. The shift is putting pressure on merchants at one of Panama’s key food markets.

Panama has deployed 140 maritime inspectors nationwide to reinforce safety during the Semana Santa travel rush. Bocas del Toro is among the areas receiving extra oversight as tourist arrivals increase.

Pesé marked Holy Week with its traditional Semana Santa Viviente, featuring more than 150 performers and drawing thousands of people. The reenactment brought biblical scenes of the Passion of Jesus Christ to the streets of the district.

A vehicle with eight occupants, including children, overturned on the Pan-American Highway in Chiriquí. SENAFRONT rescued the passengers after the crash.

Public-private partnerships are being promoted as a faster way for Panama to improve water service, hospitals, schools and logistics infrastructure. The model is also seen as a tool to create jobs and strengthen investor confidence.

Panama’s National Police detained 172 people in 24 hours, while search operations led to the recovery of two cars and the seizure of firearms and drugs. The actions reflect ongoing nationwide efforts against crime and trafficking.

More than 50 people were hurt after africanized bees attacked a religious gathering in Penonomé, Coclé. Firefighters responded and the injured were taken to medical facilities.

A 70-year-old foreign tourist went missing after entering the sea in Veraguas province, while two people were rescued in West Panama amid dangerous tide conditions. The incidents came as strong waves and risky surf affected beachgoers along Panama’s coast.

A vehicle carrying eight people, including three minors, overturned near Juay in Chiriquí on the Pan-American Highway, and SENAFRONT rescued all occupants. The crash occurred during heavy Easter holiday travel, underscoring road safety concerns on Panama’s busiest routes.

Casco Antiguo in Panama City drew thousands of visitors during Holy Week, blending religious observance with one of the capital’s top heritage destinations. International travelers also praised the experience and said they would return.

Panamanian runner Rodolfo López Lassonde completed the Six Star marathon circuit for a second time after finishing Tokyo. He says discipline, training and self-knowledge drove the achievement.