Bribery

The president of the Supreme Court of Justice, Wagner Vallecillo, called on civil-society watchdog Carlos Hernández to present evidence to authorities backing recent claims that businesspeople and investors pay to secure preferential case outcomes in the courts.

César Chirinos, president of the National Association of Public Employees (Andeph), reported that mid- and lower-level officials are allegedly demanding improper payments, saying the practice inflates public spending and procurement costs, and pledged to provide details directly to President Asfura.

Marvin Ponce alleged Wednesday that five Liberal Party members of Congress are demanding bribes in exchange for votes on energy reforms aimed at reducing electricity theft and restructuring the state utility into three separate entities.