News

Several official days in April have been declared holidays in Panama, meaning students and many workers will not attend school or regular work. Check official calendars and institutional notices for exact dates and guidance.

Panama’s Social Security Fund has administratively terminated the contract with the Alca-Ger consortium to reactivate the Boquete polyclinic; the companies are appealing and have sought forensic support.

Panama police conducted “Armageddon XXXVII” at La Joya Penitentiary in Pacora, reporting major seizures; the largest prison in Panama is already known for severe overcrowding.

Panama’s National Assembly unanimously approved bill 498 allowing bottled water to be offered free as an alternative to sugary drinks in fast-food combos, aiming to curb obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Panama and the Panama Banking Association have agreed new debt-collection regulations intended to reduce the number of calls to debtors and strengthen their protections, according to EIN Presswire.

Transport operators in Panamá Oeste announced a fare increase to take effect this coming Monday after a meeting in Arraiján involving representatives from Arraiján, La Chorrera and Capira. It remains unclear whether the change has formal regulatory approval.

DVIDS released a video titled “Jungle Operations Training Course – Panama 26-4: Waterborne Operations” on March 20, 2026, documenting waterborne elements of a jungle training course. The posting highlights readiness in riverine and jungle environments important to Panama’s geography and infrastructure.

DVIDS published a video interview with Staff Sgt. Laven Miller about the Jungle Operations Training Course held during Panama 26-4, offering a participant perspective on jungle training conducted in Panama.

Journal of Commerce reports Cosco has halted calls to Balboa, marking a new development in an ongoing Panama port dispute with potential implications for shipping and Canal-linked trade.

Merchants at Merca Panamá say recent gasoline price increases are raising transport costs and could soon push food prices higher, Telemetro reports.

MiBus said it will not raise fares despite higher fuel costs but will adjust some routes. Users are divided, praising stable fares while warning of potential mobility impacts.

The Ministry of Government issued Executive Decree 9 of 2026, ordering public offices in Panama to close from midday on April 2 for Semana Santa while exempting essential health, security, transport and basic services.

The Panama Canal Authority said it will allow uninterrupted ship passage during a planned maintenance period from March through September, aiming to prevent transit disruptions.

Panamanian authorities seized more than 1,000 drug packages hidden in a container at a Panamá Oeste port; the shipment was scheduled for transshipment in Belgium and final delivery to Lithuania.

President Mulino has sanctioned a law creating paid internships for Panamanian youth aged 18–25 from secondary, university, vocational or technical education, TVN 2 reported.

The CSS terminated its $9.2M contract with the Alca-Ger consortium for the Boquete polyclinic due to missed deadlines; the consortium appealed to the TACP, suspending the termination.

Reuters reports the Panama Canal will allow uninterrupted ship transits during planned maintenance from March through September, aiming to keep shipping schedules steady despite work.

The Panama Canal will allow uninterrupted ship passage during planned maintenance from March through September, a move aimed at minimizing disruption to shipping and trade.

Panama hosted a conference on March 17 to strengthen sports arbitration ahead of the IV South American Youth Games 2026, featuring experts, officials and athlete outreach.

La Prensa corrected a March 19, 2026 article to state that Caribbean Holding Services Ltd. redirected Odebrecht funds to Martinelli Berrocal, Juan Carlos Varela and Importadora Ricamar.