SPARKED by reports that some alternative deputies in Panama’s National Assembly have been double-dipping (getting paid from two different institutions or getting both hands into the cookie jar),
The comptroller has suspended payment and ordered a general review to ensure that no official is doing so.

 The review is not limited to the Assembly, but will include all state institutions.
That move followed the issuing of an opinion by the Office of State Administration stating that no official should receive two salaries from the government
A two hour meeting with the deputies was held on Wednesday, June 27 after which National Assembly President Adolfo Valderrama said: "I feel that the comptroller did the right thing,"
Valderrama said he would not release the names of the deputies affected by the decision, saying it is "confidential" information.
He said The Supreme Court is the authority responsible for deciding if alternate deputies can hold a second job with the state.