The National Assembly keeps deteriorating due to new scandals

The already questioned image of the National Assembly will further deteriorate with the latest developments of money laundering and drug possession, in which officials in this organ of the State have been involved. The critical situation has even led to today President of the Assembly, Ruben De Leon, meets with President Juan Carlos Varela to discuss these issue in depth. Only last December a ex assembly official with two more people were arrested carrying over $850,000 in cash into a car. Therefore, the Second Special Prosecutor for Drug-Related Crimes filed charges him for money laundering . Then, last January 5, Ernesto Arias, deputy adviser and attorney of Juan Manuel Poveda, was arrested  with a package of alleged  cocaine, in a private vehicle carrying a plate of National Assembly. In February 2011 , units of the National Police seized 140 kilos of cocaine in a vehicle traveling by currency at province of Herrera , who was board with a PRD Deputy Raul Pineda plate. After these incidents, Varela admitted drug income of public officials.  "You have seen how gradually come out and they'll keep coming cases," said the president, who also said he knew of some cases, but could not reveal the names to not interfere in the investigations that are underway.  Varela just gave details about the case in the Ministry of Security, where a lady managed to infiltrate as adviser to the Safe Neighborhoods Program, which indicated that all had a relationship with a member of organized crime.  "When the man was arrested, was with her and was dismissed immediately," he said. According to President Varela, it is clearly noted an intention of crime organized groups trying to influence the state structures. Meanwhile, Ruben De Leon, President of the National Assembly, requested the withdrawal of all plates of deputies to be taken to control the Transit Authority and Land Transport (ATTT), this is just the beginning of some of the measures implemented by the President of the Legislative Body against organized crime. De Leon said that the prerogatives of plate are not for private use, by which this benefit is not transferable.

He urged the Members and officials of the Assembly to take the best behavior to preserve the image of this state organ and requires any criminal act in which involving officials of this entity is investigated.