What Happened
The Ministry of Economy and Finance said the digital platform for registering beneficiaries of the Certificado de Pago Negociable por Intereses por Mora, known as Cepanim, is in its final testing phase. Officials expect to announce the activation of the system in the coming days so eligible people can begin the registration process before the end of the month.
Ana Matilde Amado, the ministry’s deputy secretary general, said the government is working within the planned timeline. The goal is to have the certificates being printed in May and to begin deliveries in June, as previously announced by authorities.
How the Process Will Work
The ministry said the platform is being designed to be easy to use, fast, secure, and transparent. It will serve as the main channel for people to submit their claims and upload the documents needed to validate their eligibility.
For beneficiaries who are alive, the required document is a personal identity card. In cases involving deceased beneficiaries, spouses must submit their own identity card, the death certificate, and the marriage certificate. For common-law partners, the system will require an identity card, the death certificate, and a peace judge’s resolution proving the union.
Children claiming under the third level of priority must provide the death certificate of the father or mother and a birth certificate proving the relationship. If there is more than one child, they must choose one person to register. If they do not agree, all registered children must appear together both to collect the certificate and to use it in stores or at Banco Nacional.
Why It Matters
Cepanim is tied to the withholding of the second installment of the thirteenth-month bonus between 1972 and 1983, plus the interest accumulated over 34 years. That makes the program significant for many Panamanians and families with claims linked to that period.
To help older adults and people without easy access to technology, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said it is considering registration kiosks. These physical points would provide technical assistance so beneficiaries or their relatives can complete the process with support.
The rollout marks an important step in turning a long-awaited administrative process into a digital one, while keeping the claims system open to both direct beneficiaries and heirs who must prove their relationship through official documents.