The Paraguayan Senate has begun public hearings to evaluate 49 candidates for the positions of Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller General. The process includes the current officeholder, Camilo Benítez, whose re-election is being questioned, and is expected to result in shortlists of three candidates each for the final selection by the Chamber of Deputies.
Camilo Benítez
Pytagua coverage mentioning Camilo Benítez.
The House of Representatives postponed for 15 days the analysis of a bill that provides for the payment of default interest to construction companies for halted public works, after lawmakers raised concerns about legal issues and the high fiscal cost.
Cartista senators have introduced a bill expanding the powers of the Comptroller General's Office to fine, prosecute, and take legal action against agencies that fail to comply with the Transparency Law (No. 5189/2014). The proposal amends Articles 8 and 9 of the law so that noncompliance constitutes an enforceable instrument and authorizes agreements with the Ministry of Finance for the collection of fines.
Opposition lawmakers dismissed the Comptroller General's Office report, which found no irregularities in President Santiago Peña's asset growth but failed to examine the period during which his wealth increased by approximately 20 billion guaraníes, as a whitewash.
Opposition lawmakers in Paraguay criticize Comptroller General Camilo Benítez, claiming he uses an alleged gap in Law 5189/14 to avoid sanctioning agencies that do not disclose employee salaries, such as binational entities. They point to selectivity in audits and complicity with the Cartes/Peña government.