Varela placed in the ACP a member of his circle and close to the Motta

The Minister Francisco Sierra, appointed by President Juan Carlos Varela to be part of the board of the Panama Canal Authority, admitted to being a personal friend and part of the zero circle of the president.

Sierra appeared itself yesterday to the Credentials Committee of the National Assembly to be endorsed his recommendation and appearing before the legislative plenary.

The chairman of the Credentials Committee, Jorge Ivan Arrocha, deputy Sierra questioned whether it has the ability to wean friendship with the president, the position he will play.

In response, Sierra said the only reason why it would accept the appointment because it believes that it has developed the academic and professional skills.

"The president has asked me to collaborate as a counselor minister, not because I'm friends with him, but because I think he respects my opinion," he said.

He said that is not separated completely from office of minister counselor and confirmed that a corporation owns real estate with Varela.
 

Background

Sierra Fábrega heads the commission that negotiates the sale of metrobús system with My Bus. In turn, he was executive vice president of General Finance Bank, which co-owned by the Motta.

The new member to the board of the ACP will take the place of one of the three end his term this year, we talked about Adolfo Ahumada, Ricardo de la Espriella and Guillermo Chapman.

The latter would be the father of your spouse, which would also represent a possible influence peddling.

However, President Varela said Mr. Sierra Fabrega is a citizen with a recognized business track record and extensive experience in the financial and administrative area.

However, sectors criticize President of Sierra respond Motta Group, and to be a member of President Juan Carlos Varela. Even President Varela give the nod for a business created by Sierra, which competes directly with the brand Voucher General.

This movement on the board of Canal joins another alleged favored by Motta, Jorge Garcia Icaza, who was elected new president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama.