The Senate of Paraguay has set up a special commission to investigate an alleged scheme involving approximately 100,000 irregular university degrees issued between 2023 and 2025, of which roughly 60% correspond to programs lacking quality accreditation. The first institution under investigation is Universidad Sudamericana, the alma mater of former senator Hernán Rivas.
Dionisio Amarilla
Pytagua coverage mentioning Dionisio Amarilla.
The Senate of Paraguay established a Special Investigation Commission on Monday, June 15, to investigate the issuance, sale, and use of allegedly fake or irregular university degrees, diplomas, and higher education certificates. This follows the scandal involving Universidad Sudamericana, which is believed to have issued around 2,500 irregular degrees over three to four years, a case that led to the resignation of former senator Hernán Rivas.
The lack of quorum at the start of the Senate's regular session forced a new extraordinary session, sparking protests from opposition members who demand sanctions for colleagues who arrive late. Senator Walter Kobilansky proposed fines, but the Senate president stated that the rules do not provide for penalties for tardiness.
The Paraguayan Senate's regular session, scheduled for 9 a.m., lacked a quorum, leading to an extraordinary session with less room for debate. Senator Walter Kobilansky (National Crusade) proposed fines or restrictions for lawmakers who arrive late, while the President of Congress stated that the rules do not provide for financial penalties.
Lists of employees at the binational hydroelectric plant reveal that at least 109 people earn more than President Santiago Peña, including relatives of influential politicians.
Liberal deputy Freddy Franco defended his bill establishing the 'National Day of Vori Vori' and harshly criticized Senator Dionisio Amarilla, accusing him of being two-faced due to his closeness to the Colorado government. Franco suggested the debate over the typical dish was used to divert attention from the scandal involving former Senator Hernán Rivas's fake diplomas.
Senator Celeste Amarilla (PLRA) strongly criticized the Senate Board for dedicating time to symbolic projects, such as declaring the 'National Day of Vori Vori', while the country faces a public health crisis, lack of medicines, and corruption allegations, especially at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).