President Laurentino Nito Cortizo has removed the velvet glove in dealing with a large group pf public officials, many of them working in the presidency. who snapped up food bags and cash bonds of the Panama Solidarity plan, for despite the fact that the program prohibits it.

Cortizo said that at least 289 were from the Ministry of the Presidency and another 300 from the Ministry of Education.

The president issued an ultimatum. He asked them between Thursday and Friday to donate 20% of their salary for three months to Panama Solidarity. “If you don't go voluntarily and donate, I'll be in charge of making decisions next week. What you have done to accept bonds and bags is not being supportive, "he said.