FORMER  Vice-president Felipe Pipo Virzi, entangled in multiple corruption probes has once again been released from preventive detention because of his age.

He has been behind bars in El Renacer prison since August while being investigated for alleged money laundering in the New Business Case related to the purchase of Editora Panamá América (Epasa) allegedly with public funds.

A ruling by Judge Harry Diaz has changed his detention to country arrest, meaning he can’t leave the country without judicial authorization and must also report on the 30th of each month.

"He is over 65 years old, and should not be deprived of liberty unless the Public Ministry justifies such a measure. Virzi has not missed his commitments to the processes, so there is not much to analyze " said Diaz.

Virzi recently appeared in a photo circulated on social media taking coffee in the grounds of El Renacer with a group of high profile detainees facing corruption charges.

He had previously been let out of detention for an unrelated case, and moved to house arrest, and is now being investigated for an offence allegedly committed while at his home.

He managed to stall court appearances by putting himself forward as a candidate for office in an internal PRD election.