Category: News

China dismissed U.S. allegations over Panama Canal traffic, calling the claims groundless. The dispute highlights the canal’s strategic importance and Panama’s role in global trade.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama will visit two locations on April 6 to assist beneficiaries with U.S. Social Security benefit questions. The outreach is designed to make consular services more accessible beyond Panama City.

Ifarhu says preselected students in Panama’s 2026 General Scholarship Contest must present a bank certification to complete the process. The agency is working to ease account openings and spread document intake across the country.

Companies that admitted paying bribes in the Blue Apple case continue to win multimillion-dollar contracts in Panama, especially from the Ministry of Public Works. The pattern has intensified debate over procurement rules and the lack of automatic debarment for firms linked to corruption.

A political commentary in Panama criticized the National Assembly, a delayed vehicle plate rollout, a beach renaming proposal and a Holy Week message by Ricardo Martinelli. It framed all four episodes as examples of symbolism and political memory shaping public debate.

Panama’s National Assembly is heading into a dispute over whether the ombudsman shortlist should include one name or all 35 applicants. The ruling party backs Ángela Russo, while other lawmakers are resisting any preselection.

Panama’s planned teleférico bid has been pushed back to May 28 after both prequalified consortia requested more time to finalize financing and guarantees. The project, valued at $278.6 million, would link six stations across San Miguelito under a 20-year concession.

Three deadly crashes involving “diablos verdes” in Panama East have reignited concerns over bus safety, enforcement, and overdue transport modernization. The accidents have put pressure on regulators as thousands of commuters continue relying on these routes.

ENSA has scheduled preventive maintenance on its power network from April 6 to 11, with temporary interruptions in selected sectors. Customers can check whether their home or business is affected using their NAC on the company’s website.

Panama will raise the budget for the Isla Colón airport expansion from $3 million to $15 million to address security, runway, and terminal problems. The project is aimed at improving safety and supporting Bocas del Toro’s growing tourism demand.

Banco General’s Fundación Sus Buenos Vecinos has opened its 2026 scholarship call for high-achieving sixth-graders in Panama. The program has already supported hundreds of students, including Félix Rodríguez, now a data scientist at the bank.

The Panama Canal remains a cornerstone of global trade, but drought, aging infrastructure and rising demand are putting new strain on the route. The pressure is exposing how vulnerable the system has become.

Rising oil prices tied to the Middle East crisis are complicating the outlook for interest rate cuts and could raise Panama’s funding costs. The shock also creates potential upside for Panama’s logistics sector as supply chains adjust.

Panama’s debate over the next Ombudsperson highlights a larger problem: institutions cannot depend on strong leaders alone. Law 504 aims to strengthen the office, but its real test will be implementation.

Community voices in Panama are raising the same complaint in two different settings: participation is promised, but institutions do not always listen or follow through. The debate is now at the center of a broader question about how democracy works on the ground.

Panama’s urban workforce is increasingly made up of flexible, independent workers who want protection without losing control over their schedules. The debate now is whether labor policy can adapt to that reality.

Panama remains under a heat advisory as high temperatures and a stronger-than-normal sensation of heat continue across the country. Officials urge residents to take precautions against dehydration and heat-related illness.

Casco Antiguo welcomed national and foreign visitors on Easter Sunday for religious and cultural activities tied to the celebration of the Resurrection. The historic district once again served as a key meeting point for faith, heritage, and tourism in Panama City.

Alanje in Chiriquí closed Holy Week with its traditional Carrera de los Santos, a long-standing religious celebration tied to the town’s identity. The event remains an important part of local faith and community life.

Panama’s administrative law debate is focusing on abuse of power and administrative silence, two issues that can distort public decision-making. The discussion underscores the need for timely, transparent, and purpose-driven government action.