Consejo Editorial
Colaboradores en esta edición José Javier Rivera J. Rafael Fernández Lara
José Javier Rivera J. Giovana del C. Miranda G.
José María Lancho Rodríguez Giovana del C. Miranda G. Yhestryll Mc Cree Anna Marissa Admadé Ailen Galván Albin Rodríguez
Portada y Diagramación: Virginia Medina Fotografía: Mariela De Sedas de Sanjur
Jonathan Forget Alexander Canto Mariela de Sanjur Nadia Chang
ÁREAS DE PRÁCTICA IMPUESTOS - CONTRATACIÓN PÚBLICA - PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL REGISTRO SANITARIO LITIGIOS, ARBITRAJE Y MEDIACIÓN DERECHO MARÍTIMO - ABANDERAMIENTO DE NAVES - DERECHO LABORAL ASUNTOS MIGRATORIOS - SOCIEDADES - APERTURA DE NEGOCIOS FUNDACIONES DE INTERÉS PRIVADO - CONTRATOS, FIDEICOMISOS ASESORÍA BURSÁTIL - SERVICIOS NOTARIALES Y REGISTRO - AMBIENTAL LEYES ANTIMONOPOLIOS TELECOMUNICACIONES
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todo aquél que tenga INTERÉS en la actividad de
PANAMÁ.
RBC Abogados
Rivera, Bolívar y Castañedas
@rbc_abogados
CONTENT 6. 7. 9. 10.
12.
12.
EDITORIAL WATER CRISIS AND CANAL EXPANSION
INVITED WRITER THE DIVERGENT SUBJECTIVITY: OTHER LEGAL ROOTS OF INNOVATION
NORMS OF INTEREST DECENTRALIZATION: PROPERTY TAX CONTINUES IN HANDS OF DGI MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS ON ITBMS RETENTION AGENTS CERTIFICATE OF PRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT CODE OF BASIC RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL ZONE
CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE
13. 17. 18.
SUPREME COURT DECLARES UNCONSTITUTIONAL CERTAIN PARAGRAPHS OF CONCESSION CONTRACT SIGNED BETWEEN INTEROCEANIC REGION ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY AND FUERTE AMADOR RESORT AND MARINA MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF DECENTRALIZED ENTITIES HAVE THE ETHICS OF OBLIGATION TO FILE A GOOD BALANCE
POLITICS DYNASTIES IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACIES
CONTENT 22. 26.
28. 30. 32. 33.
PANAMAN ECONOMY QUARTERLY ESTIMATED GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FIGURES AT 2007 PRICES: SECOND QUARTER OF 2015 CONSUMER PRICES INDEX
WORLD ECONOMY REGIONAL TARDE AT CROSSROADS: DIVERSIFICATION AND INTEGRATION IN A LOW GROWTH GLOBAL CONTEXT THE WORLD BANK REVISED DOWNWARDS, 2015 AND 2016, ITS FORECASTS ON OIL PRICES AND OTHER KEY COMMODITIES RECOVERY OF EUROZONE RECEIVES “CERTAIN IMPETUS “ ON HAVING BEGUN THE FOURTH QUARTER
ENVIRONMENTAL CAPSULE INTERVIEW: JOSÉ FRANCISCO GAITÁN NEME
EDUCATIONAL CAPSULE
35.
37. 41. 43.
FAILURES IN EDUCATION SYSTEM AND SCIENTIFIC LEARNING
FASHION BASIC CLOTHING FOR A MODERN GENTLEMAN
SPORTS CAPSULE CULTURAL CAPSULE
EDITORIAL WATER CRISIS AND CANAL EXPANSION
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José Javier Rivera - Attorney jj.rivera@rbc.com.pa
n a recent public presentation Mr. Carlos Vargas, Vice President of Waters of Panama Canal Authority showed a very worrying statistic. The last two years have been the worst performers in history of 101 years of the Canal with respect the amount of water that has fallen in areas where are located lakes storing this resource.
and China stored more than 50% of its available water by dams and then use it for their needs.
If we have four large water requirements: 1. for human consumption; 2. for the canal; 3. irrigation; and 4. to generate electricity. That brings us to a truth that explodes in the face: we haven’t Also in July 2015 it has been the driest in history of the Canal. planned construction of reservoirs and now this lack of Simultaneously, it’s announced in media that in April planning is significantly limiting our present and future. next year will inaugurate the redevelopment of the Canal, which coincides with prediction of an upsurge in atmos- Recently it arises start Trinidad River reservoir near Panapheric conditions within period of El Niño 2015-2016 ma Canal watershed, and we haven’t heard a statement all While there have been rains in some regions of the unions and civil society on this issue of great importance. country in month of October this year, the fact is that in the area of the canal watershed haven’t same We haven’t seen a saving campaign citizenship that luck and therefore could meet with restrictions pas- reduces water consumption to contribute to this sing ships and also for agriculture 2016 cycle. national effort to prevent measures to be taken which affect transit of vessels through the Canal. In a very thorough job of research Ambrosio Pimentel Ramos called “What we know of Water”, reveals that annual Finally, we note that the country is heading toward a rainfall in our country, and therefore water resources per long-winded planning, as do first world countries, howecapita in Panama more than ten times higher than that of ver, it takes an institutional approach to this finite resouSpain, Mexico , Italy and China, countries that have the- rce that can be handled and managed so that it becomes se ten or even a hundred times the population of Panama. a tool to ensure the sustained growth of our economy. Average consumption of our drinking water, is This issue deserves our support and decision to change more than twice the world average and one hun- our habits to guarantee us social and economic stability. dred percent of available water, we just use 17%. In most countries like Spain, Mexico, Italy It will dawn and see...
6.
INVITED WRITER THE DIVERGENT SUBJECTIVITY: OTHER LEGAL ROOTS OF INNOVATION many countries set a production model and to fundamental legal. It also occurs in countries with very tight legal systems based on distrust of the individual, such as Chinese, who live with that enormous contradiction is an essential part of technological revolution.
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José María Lancho Rodríguez rbcweb@rbc.com.pa
Spanish lawyer and expert on technology law protection of national heritage. He is president of Hispalinux, the largest association of users and Free software developers in Spain.
nlike other areas, technology, radically divergent, and even apparent contradiction is the great enemy. What is different, eccentricity, no one cares to challenge it, exorcise, accusing her of unreal or, even less, to punish or even wait a minute for their natural and final fading. Not interfere with the course of sun, or payroll or benefits. There is a need to free space, which is already part of the culture of work in technology - unprecedented in traditional labor relations in the West - around creative roots worker in fields of research and development. In fact, this conditions, and sometimes achieved in
7.
In the field of information technology in small businesses that can be called business-and not in the slums where frequent staff exploited and whose benefit is based on begrudge basic working conditions to their employees, often conviction that a space for the expression of individuality is a prerequisite for creativity, efficiency of its employees and good course of business. Those suitable for original and creative expression of individuality conditions, conditions facing proven to strengthen capacity of developing new products in our society and in process promote progress in framework of coexistence, it faces active resistance in our country . When you talk to fellow lawyers in Europe, given terrible cost contrast between countries: possibility of teleworking, continuous time, refusal to intervene electronic communication or tightly controlling productivity -something that is spreading here increasingly- shows that other production models and that Spanish production model not particularly favors human dimension of technological innovation, precisely the factor that changes things. Nothing to do with a business culture -and legal- that allows a certain individual self-determination. Creative work in technology involves varying degrees, as a
INVITED WRITER routine, confrontation of logic with intuition and sometimes a lot of rationalist prejudice against a world that largely maintained as a constant, their radical unpredictability. In Spain, the basic right to therapeutic self-determination is something we just discussed, let alone internalized in our legal system, although other countries that lie scientific and health model does have it clear.
way contained. In US a great debate about suitability of one or other therapies opened, but both sides held the right of individuals to choose their mode of treatment. Nobody argued that sacred space of decision, for subjective determination. Steve Jobs was the captain until the end of his life. No one questioned his personal sovereignty and their right to therapeutic self-determination.
This makes it very common to find environmentalism, veganism, natural medicine and even spiritualism in working groups and people with engineering PhDs. In those regions of subjectivity they draw attention hindrance social prejudices and legal environment that we find our Spain.
In Spain, basic right to therapeutic self-determination is something we just discussed, let alone internalized in our legal system, although other countries that lie scientific and health model does it have clear and publicly They have discussed and affirmed as basic right: Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Holland, To illustrate just one example in relation to decision on Germany... Even France, Portugal and Switzerland. treatment options when illness occurs: much discussed when Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder, decided to opt for It seems that much of culture of individual self-deteralternative and natural therapies in the beginning of his mination that we have adopted in fact, even in field of pancreatic cancer, unfortunately which it was announced health, not just involve quite the right. About three and as a small shadow on Computarized Tomology in 2003. a half million Spanish citizens usually resort to natural therapies. However, their right is precarious because we For nine months, Jobs resignation to conventio- are one of last countries in Europe to regulate these pronal therapies, opting for alternative medicines. fessions. It is still juggling the fundamental right of ciIn his country could do without legal risk to an- tizens to freedom of therapeutic choice of either of two yone. Without the therapist who was reached by forms of health care, either with conventional or medifree will in a situation of legal uncertainty, as here. cine through natural and non-conventional medicine. Despite accusations of quackery and manipulation, Jobs was one of the few people on the planet who had their DNA sequenced, and when he chose alternative therapies, faced with the best, with a particularly lethal form of cancer. Alternative therapy was supported by the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland. In fact, it could receive a form of radiation therapy on peptide hormones that would be targeted to receptors of tumor cells. Many people are surprised by the intimate relationship exists between science and natural medicine and alternative. And distance between natural medicine and a fruit juice. We must say that Jobs also invented conventional therapy. After nine months he underwent surgery and transplantation, knowing remote possibility of success this
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Jobs was a controversial person with an amazing ability to mythical domain of controversy. Unconventional enemy even in medical field. I think the case can’t prove what type of therapy could give more chances of survival. I also don’t discuss here. But I emphasize that systems that preserve the rights of broader decision of their citizens on basic and intimate aspects of a person and don’t use the exhausted paternalism which sometimes are interests of industries and professional associations, are more likely to produce personalities and creative results. L&E
NORMS OF INTEREST DECENTRALIZATION: PROPERTY TAX CONTINUES IN HANDS OF DGI
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Anna Admadé - Attorney anna.admade@rbc.com.pa
n October 20, 2015 was approved on third reading by National Assembly, the bill 234 to reform Law 37 of June 29, 2009, decentralizing public administration and other provisions. With this instrument a mechanism for strengthening capacity of municipalities is created, through the allocation of revenues through the so-called “formula of inter-solidarity”, which aims to transfer funds from tax collection property, municipalities with lower incomes.
set property values in re-appraisals practiced by Ministry of Economy and Finance in the areas of Punta Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, Costa del Este, Obarrio, Marbella, Via Spain, El Carmen Coco del Mar, Altos del Golf and beach areas, suspended by Resolution No. 807-04-164-13 of November 20, 2013, issued by the Directorate of State Property, published in Official Gazette No. 27424- As of November 28, 2013, which clearly represented a violation of the principle of non-confiscatory taxation.
According to established procedure, each municipality will receive 50% of revenue for constituency, directly. The remainder would be transferred to each municipality, taking the percentage of total population, according to each district, according to last census, until it reaches the municipality concerned the sum of B/. 500,000.00.
Moreover, the Act introduces the so-called “pre-control” budget execution of municipalities and community boards, in accordance with Article 280 of the Constitution, which shall be exercised by Comptroller General of the Republic, for the purpose of ensure protection of resources and implementation of projects and community health work, education, public services, infrastructure and other social issues.
Note that one of the main modifications made in original project during their second debate, was repeal of Article 42, which sought to transfer fiscal powers to establish property tax of Central Government (DGI) to municipalities. On this, at the time we realize the risk that represent delegate this authority to an entity whose budget and revenues are determined by agreements issued by Municipal Councils, whose approval doesn’t require the same requirements for issuance of formal law. Another important contribution of the standard is retroactive repeal of all contentive re-appraisals resolutions made during previous administration, after tenders awarded for best value Abbreviated No. 2010-0-16-0-08-AV 001134; No. 2010-0-16-0-08-AV-00384: and 2010-0-16-08-AV-001 130, all published in El Panama America newspaper, during months of November 2012 and October 2013. They were repealed all resolutions and contentive edicts new
9.
Allocation of funds will take effect from January 2016 and includes municipalities of Colon, and special districts of Guna Yala provinces, Madundangi, Wargandi and Puerto Obaldia. With its approval, it is expected to simplify governance and achieve solidarity and equitable distribution of resources to the neediest communities. L&E
NORMS OF INTEREST
MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS ON ITBMS RETENTION AGENTS
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n Monday October 19, 2015, was published by Official Gazette No. 27892-A Executive Decree No. 465 of October 14, 2015 that “amending Executive Decree No. 84 of August 26, 2005, which regulates the provisions Tax on Transfer of Movable Property and Provision of Services, in order to extend retention mechanisms.” Through this decree Article 19 of Executive Decree 84 of 2005, which deals with withholding agents ITBMS changes.
Significant changes Retention of 50% of ITBMS that made public sector to suppliers of goods and services regardless of the amount of the contract, provided that supplier is ITBMS taxpayer.
Yhestryll Mc Cree - Abogada yhestryll.mccree@rbc.com.pa
of the year to be applied in the following fiscal period. By Official Gazette No. 27893-B October 20, 2015, Resolution No. 201-17679 of 19 October 2015 containing the list of these retention agents for fiscal 2015 was disclosed. The retention shall take effect from November 2015. The first retention must be submitted one month from date of publication of the list and will along with monthly statement ITBMS and with the Form 433 (Report of deductions) under Resolution No. 201-17687 of 20 October 2015 containing instructions for filling and presentation, a decision that was published in Official Gazette No. 27893-B on 20 October 2015. it should be noted that sums withheld shall be paid to Treasury in cash .
Moreover, those who pay or credit for taxable transactions carried out by natural or legal persons abroad if • Broadcasters or managers debit and credit institutions. they don’t have branch in Panama, is also for retention when headquarters will pay services taxed to its perma- A deduction of 50% of ITBMS sales of goods or provision of nent establishments located in Panamanian territory. taxable services engaged member establishments of its customers who have paid with credit or debit cards should be applied.
Who are the new withholding agents • Those with annual purchases of goods and services equal to or greater than B/. 10 000,000.00. They shall hold them to their suppliers of goods and services 50% of ITBMS included in the bill. The DGI annually published by Official Gazette, the list of these retention agents, this publication must be carried out no later than 15 December
10.
The percentage retained will be a tax credit for affiliated establishments, they included in statement of ITBMS the month in which tax withholding occurred cause. So, affiliates establishments must inform these entities which are taxed at ITBMS their operations. It is noted that in addition to applying retention entities credit card or debit card, should submit to DGI monthly
NORMS OF INTEREST report reporting sales by affiliated establishments. However, paragraph 7 of transition decree states that within a calendar year, effective November 1, 2015, withholding applied by the entities of credit cards and debit cards will be 2% of total sales transactions of goods and services of member establishments. Upon
expiration
of
50%
withholding
applies.
Overview All withholding agents are required to issue certificates by monthly deductions made to their suppliers of goods services so they can use these certificates as proof for tax credit. In the event that a supplier of goods and services, or establishments affiliated entities or administrators of credit cards and debit ITBMS are not taxpayers, redited withholding agent by Certificate of No ITBMS Taxpayer. If activity is fully exempt from ITBMS it will not be applied retention, but must accredit through a certificate issued by the DGI indicating that this activity is not subject to ITBMS. Notably, entities or companies belonging to a special scheme, if they are exempt from ITBMS not be withholding agents. It should be noted that withholding by ITBMS not be implemented in the event that transaction subject to withholding is made between ITBMS withholding agents. Validity of the decree shall take effect from November 1, 2015. With this decree seeks to ensure that taxpayers with obligation to declare and pay transfer tax of Movable Property and Provision of Services (ITBMS), however, we believe that implementation of new agents restraint could bring costs high operating.
11.
Para consultas puede comunicarse con:
José Javier Rivera Tel. 397-3002/ jj.rivera@rbc.com.pa Maybé Mendieta Tel. 397-3014/ maybe.mendieta@rbc.com.pa Augusto Garcia Tel. 397-3012/ augusto.garcia@rbc.com.pa Anna Marissa Admadé Tel. 397-397-3058/ anna.admade@rbc.com.pa Yhestryll Mc Cree Tel. 397-3041/ yhestryll.mccree@rbc.com.pa. L&E
NORMS OF INTEREST
CERTIFICATE OF PRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT
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Giovana del C. Miranda G. - Attorneygiovana.miranda@rbc.com.pa
ecently approved Executive Decree No. 462 of October 12, 2015 by which issuance of the Certificate of Productive Development that is related to the Program for Promotion and Modernization Agricultural and Agroindustrial is authorized and comply with incentives established by law 105 of 2013.
CODE OF BASIC RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL ZONE
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Giovana del C. Miranda G. - Attorney giovana.miranda@rbc.com.pa
xecutive Decree No. 225 of October 12, 2015, provisions of the Code of Basic Residential Special Zone (RB-E) for social housing, which aims to encourage construction of such housing in our country and offer an alternative to those who can’t pay current market prices for obtaining housing. This code allows the construction area of new developments with special features aimed at social housing, townhouses and single-family type row houses, as well as complementary and uses social and community facilities.
Decree provides, among other things five thousand (5,000) Development Certificates will be issued in five (5) series of one thousand (1,000) certificates that are identified with AA-BB-CC- It should be noted that the review of plans for develoDD-EE series and will in security paper 24 pounds. pments benefiting from special basic residential will Development Certificate is issued by nominal value indicated in the resolution, by which the right to issue is recognized, it shall be transferable by endorsement and expire at year following endorsement by Comptroller General of the Republic.
be held in an expedited term from its presentation to the Office of National Single Window of MIVIOT. On the other hand, we have housing developers that apply to this program must submit an affidavit, which shall comply with technical specifications and legal regulations, in order to expedite the project development process. The affidavit form, will be supplied by MIVIOT.
On the other hand, it has been established that can only be paid up to nominal value thereof for payment of all With regard to range to qualify for Basic Residenfederal taxes, charges, duties and levies not bear interest tial area code it has established a selling price for soluand will only pay national taxes, except municipal taxes. tion of housing and lot to FORTY THOUSAND BAL-
BOAS (B/. 40,000.00) and are exempt from applying burial of electricity and telecommunications cables.
Another aspect to mention, which before use Certificate for payment of taxes must be submit- The comment program is valid until December 31, 2019 ted to the DGI Fiscal Incentives Sub section. L&E and finally MIVIOT empowers the Executive Decree to regulate reviewed through ministerial resolutions.
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L&E
CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE SUPREME COURT DECLARES UNCONSTITUTIONAL CERTAIN PARAGRAPHS OF CONCESSION CONTRACT SIGNED BETWEEN INTEROCEANIC REGION ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY AND FUERTE AMADOR RESORT AND MARINA.
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nder presentation of Judge Abel Augusto Zamorano, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional sentences contained in Administrative Concession Contract No.609-98 of November 11, 1998, signed by Interoceanic Region Authority and society Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina.
Ailen Galvan - Legal Asistant ailen.galvan@rbc.com.pa
Argues the applicant, that Interoceanic Region Authority, on behalf of Panamanian State can’t grant private ownership of improvements built by Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina on the area in which it is executed or will execute the contract signed for development, leasing and investment, and can’t sell to third parties buildings, works and facilities built at his own expense in concession area, since characteristic and essential of all contract of administrative concession is that assets revert to State without any charge. And therefore estimated to be unconstitutional all transfers effected by Interoceanic Region Authority for Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina.
This claim of unconstitutionality was presented by Lic. Juan Carlos Henriquez Cano, acting on their own behalf, in which said are unconstitutional some paragraphs of Articles 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the Administrative Concession Agreement No.609-98 of November 11, 1998, signed by the Interoceanic Region Authority and society Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina, claims based on Article 258 of the Constitution, which stipu- The phrases that plaintiff considered unconstitutional lates that goods belonging to the State are public do- of contractual clauses are: main and are not susceptible to private appropriation. Says the appellant, that unconstitutionality is directed specifically against those paragraphs of contract which relate to the possibility of sale for Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina, constitutionally recognized as public property assets, and that contract Interoceanic Region Authority grants powers to the company Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina to acquire property through sale, filled spaces built on territorial sea.
13.
A. Clause Eighteen No.609-98 of Concession Agreement which states:
“The set of improvements and facilities that make up the works built by LESSEE-INVESTOR (Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina) on plot number twenty (22) may be permanent or temporary. For the purposes of this contract, it is understood as
CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE improving or facilities permanent those buildings to be built on the plot so that their removal impossible without suffering grief, damage or deterioration, or without such improvements destruction or amendment substantially. Similarly, temporary term improvements those improvements or facilities constructed, placed or accede to the plot, either to adore or profit or for benefit of LESSEE-INVESTOR, as long as the same may be removed without suffering grief, damage or deterioration. LESSEE-INVESTOR is obliged to declare and register the domain master deed in his favor on buildings or permanent improvements that build on plot number twenty (22) within a period of six (6) months from Issuing of corresponding occupation. The title deed establishing such facilities or permanent improvements that LESSEE-INVESTOR build on plot number twenty (22) will be registered in its name in the Interoceanic Region Section of the Public Registry, under article three (3) of the Act fifty-three (53) 1956 (1956) and as provided in Article 1770 (1770) of civil code, numeral fifth (5th) of Article forty-one (41) number five (5) Law twenty-five (25) February 1993 (1993) and Article 1478 (1468) of Judicial Code. LESSEE-INVESTOR may not register title to the existing improvements on the plot number twenty (22) to date of this contract. “
B. Clause twenty of Contract No.609-98. TRANSFER OF IMPROVEMENTS DURING THE TERM OF CONTRACT.
and obligations under this contract by LESSEE-INVESTOR, and comply with all obligations that this agreement imposes mainly payment of rent for lease of land on which they are constructed improvements sold and other payments due to the Authority under this contract and build each and every one of the guarantees, bonds and insurance policies that contract required on execution . At no time NUMBER TWENTY (22), their activities or improvements therein may be made homeless PLOT of those bonds. If the vements,
nation must
chooses to buy improbe free of any liens.
Benefits of improvements must be made in the way legal procedures established at that time. “
C. Clause Twenty-one of Contract No.60998. “( IMPROVEMENTS AT CONCLUSION OF CONTRACT). Upon termination of this contract THE AUTHORITY may choose between demanding immediate eviction of land leased and endorse improvements built by the LESSEE-INVESTOR paying for such improvements value determined by relevant authorities and following legal procedures then in effect: or sell land leased to the LESSEE-iNVESTOR form here indicated.“
D. The clause Twenty-two of LESSEE-INVESTOR may sell upgrades and ins- Administrative Concession Contract tallations of its property to third parties or to Sta- No.609-98:
te, prior approval of the Authority. However, the nation will not be obliged to buy upgrades or ins- “(VALUE AND PAYMENT OF IMPROVEMENTS). tallations LESSEE-INVESTOR decides to sell. In the event that Authority immediately opt for eviction of the plot and endorse improvements built by The purchaser of improvements or facilities must LESSEE-INVESTOR, at end of term of this contract, be agreed with the Authority, subrogated to rights value shall be determined by the relevant authorities
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CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE and following due process of law at that time, which at no time considered an expropriation. Failure to reach agreement on value, form and payment terms, decision will be submitted to arbitration under clause fifty-five (55) of this contract. LESSEE-INVESTOR undertakes to transfer these improvements free of liens and is obliged to respond in case of eviction. “
E. Clause Twenty-three of Contract No. 609-98: “(PREFERENTIAL RIGHT OF PURCHASE OF THE PLOT) By operation of Cabinet Resolution Number one hundred forty three (143) of the twenty (27) June 1997 (1997) which amended the Cabinet Resolution number one hundred and nineteen (119) of the thirteen (13) June of 1996, THE AUTHORITY is authorized to include in the contract a preferential right to purchase in favor of LESSEE-INVESTOR. Therefore, THE AUTHORITY hereby gives LESSEE-INVESTOR preferential right to purchase plot number twenty-two (22) in the event that THE AUTHORITY decides to sell, the sale will be made subject to legal procedures then in effect.
After this period without receiving the LESSEE-INVESTOR acceptance of purchase, or if not having overcome this period, the LESSEE-INVESTOR express in writing their decision not to buy, THE AUTHORITY may sell PLOT NUMBER TWENTY-TWO (22) to third parties, provided they don’t offer more favorable conditions than those offered to the LESSEE-INVESTOR.
F. Clause Twenty-four of Contract No. 609-98: “(SALE OF PLOT TO THIRD PARTIES).
In the event that THE AUTHORITY sells plot number twenty-two (22) to persons other than the LESSEEINVESTOR, THE AUTHORITY shall negotiate with acquirer in respective sales contract, buyer will be bound by this contract lease in favor of the LESSEE-INVESTOR to completion or may terminate with the buyer’s obligation to indemnify the LESSEE-INVESTOR, for the damages that cause such early termination of the contract and hold THE AUTHORITY this responsibility. “ As you can read in transcribed text, it attacked as unconstitutional contract entitles the lessee-investor, to declare and register the domain master deed in his favor on buildings or permanent improvements that build on the plot given in concession; transfer of improvements and facilities to third parties or to the State; and transfer in favor of Fort Amador Resort and Marina and/or on behalf of third parties of the plot given in concession, which we all know is a filler and by our Constitution can’t pass in any sense, as applicant claims.
If at any time during the term of this contract to completion THE AUTHORITY decides to sell NUMBER TWENTY-TWO (22) LAND, must immediately notify LESSEE-INVESTOR of his decision, informing the full terms of its offer and THE LEASING may, from then, exercise its preferential right to purcha- The plaintiff cites various judgments of Suprese the land under the terms established in the offer. me Court and that many of them agree that fillings made in these areas are public property and LESSEE-INVESTOR must exercise its prefe- as they form part of main, same fate, so it is unrential right to purchase by giving written noti- constitutional that Fuerte Amador Resort and Marice to THE AUTHORITY within sixty (60) days na has the power to transfer, by way of control, imof communication of the offer to sell, buy or ac- provements and facilities built on concession area. ceptance of terms offered by THE AUTHORITY-.
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CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE On the other hand, opinion of the Office of Administration agrees with the complaint concerning fillings made part of territorial sea of Panama, and which by their nature, are inadjudicables, imprescriptible, indefeasible, and inhipotecable goods; and for these reasons they match mentioned lines are declared unconstitutional clauses. The Supreme Court based its decisions are grants, private investment that the State is not in a position to take is encouraged, and that the State was temporarily stripped of some of attributes of property or rights exercises over its assets, and other benefits granted to individuals to invest and to exploit benefits of their investment, a term that allows you to recover it and also make a profit, they are the reason or justification for investor to take investment risk. And therefore, concession contract that is used must contain same characteristics as any other contract concerning public property is concerned, so public use must prevail over the sole use we intended to. Match the Court that constitutional provision doesn’t authorize the state to divest itself of irreversible or indefinitely to any of the attributes of ownership or title to such property for benefit of individuals, so the goods can’t be given in concession be subject to private appropriation. And this specific plot, number twentytwo (22), is a land on Panamanian territorial waters. The Court goes on to argue that the Interoceanic Region Authority representing the state, authorized the lessee, Fuerte Amador Resort and Marina, to conduct investments, building facilities and buildings (improvements to the plot), and that they be enrolled in the Public Registry as private property of the lessee, an issue that is contrary to the provisions of our Constitution, and as stated by both appellant and Office, those buildings or improvements made are or belong to either main thing in this case
16.
would be filling and, as such, are public property. Specifically points out that maximum Justice Corporation, fillings are not patrimonial state assets, but they are public property and can’t be sold; and that private ownership of such goods will involve a wronged our Constitution prohibits such arbitrariness den. And one of the main functions of the Interoceanic Region Authority is to represent State in the administration and custody of property reverted to Panama, where both public property and private property ownership are; but in this particular case where this plot located, a special regime which is protected by our Constitution was established. L&E
CONSULT, DOCTRINE & JURISPRUDENCE
MEMBERS OF BOARDS OF DECENTRALIZED ENTITIES HAVE THE ETHICS OF OBLIGATION TO FILE A GOOD BALANCE
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ecently, the Office of Administration, had the opportunity in consultation C-89-15 of September 9, 2015 to absolve question posed in sense of establishing if in accordance with provisions of Law 59 of December 29, 1999, which regulates Article 299 of the Constitution (current Article 304), members of boards of decentralized State agencies are required to submit a sworn statement of its financial condition; and in particular whether representative of pensioners to the Board of the Social Security Fund in nature of obligor under that excerpta.
Source: Procuraduría de la Administración
Law 59 of 1999, word “agents” used in phrase “management employees and agents under tax code” should be interpreted as those employees or public servants under Article 1089 of the Code, receive, pay, or have under their care, custody or control of National Treasury funds.
Another point addressed by the Ombudsman, it is functions of boards of decentralized public entities, allowing you consider that only those members of boards of decentralized State entities that are of nature of “public servant driving under Tax Code “they are legally obligated to file the affiTo absolve question posed, the Office notes that are of davit of heritage status under this constitutional provision. the opinion that those members of boards which are of character of “public management server according to Tax Attorney estimated that despite the above procedure Code” are only legally required to file affidavit of patri- collegiate members of these bodies that are not public monial state, pursuant to provisions of Article 1 of Law servants, such as representative of pensioners and re59 of 1999; however, other members who are not public tirees to Board of Social Security Fund, have an ethical servants, have an ethical duty to meet this requirement. obligation to fulfill with this requirement, the following: (1) representing their respective associations, which are Attorney to arrive at this criterion, an analysis of sta- entitled to hold them accountable; (2) exercising putus of public servants in accordance with laws and blic functions to the extent that they act on behalf of says that they don’t specifically identified as requi- the institution and, therefore, are not “any individual”; red to file the affidavit of its financial state, mem- (3) His peers (civil servants) are themselves required to bers of subjects boards of decentralized entities. submit a sworn statement of its financial condition; (4) In exercising their right to vote, they contribute equally Notwithstanding the above mentioned, this obligation ex- to their peers (civil servants) in taking some decisions tends to “employees and agents operating in accordance which constitute acts of management of public funds. L&E with tax code”; so that for the purposes of Article 1 of
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POLITICS
I
DYNASTIES IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACIES
n general term ‘dinasty’ is related to a series of monarchs who in a certain place belong to the same family, but it is a reality that dynasties in power is not just for kings or princes or infants, as Dynasty Bourbon or Ming, but also include presidential candidates of political entities legally established in modern democratic societies.
Rafael Fernández Lara Abogado independiente
rbcweb@rbc.com.pa
Thus history of dynasties in politics is not new and we can find examples of these phenomena in different countries in our democracies and in some dictatorships.
In our neighboring country Costa Rica, Jose Hipólito Figueres Ferrer was president of the Thus, simplest and preferred word dynasty rulers Republic on three occasions. would be a range of one or more countries, related to His son, Jose Maria Figeres each other, or, alternatively, that belong to same family. Olsen, won presidency of the nation for period 1994-1998. Dynasties, then, are families who throng large portions of political power over several generations, that is, con- Rafael Angel Calderon Guartinuing political power and influence through the years. dia was President of Costa Politics is not immune to participation of these families Rica from 1940 to 1944 and repeated from generation to generation and presidential his son Rafael Angel Caldecandidates have joined their past political activity. Not ron Fournier also won presidency from 1990-1994. infrequently it has been power transferred from father to son or daughter, sometimes wife, widow, brother, In neighboring country, Colombia, Alfonso Lopez Pumanephew, cousin, or any other relative, sometimes due rejo, was twice constitutional president, and later his son was date of such power, depending on their survival pre- president Alfonso Lopez Michelsen in period 1974-1978. sence heirs with appropriate provision for continuing it. Eduardo Santos Montejo was President for period 1938There are certain cases in both nineteenth and twen- 1942, great-uncle of Francisco Santos Calderon, elected tieth centuries, as in current XXI Century. Presi- vice-president of the Republic of Colombia for two condential candidates, dynastic heirs emerge as libe- secutive periods, 2002-2006 and reelected in 2006-2010, rators from evils that overwhelm our nations and is his cousin once double brother the current constituthat his predecessors never wanted or could solve. tional president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, Eduardo Santos Montejo who was also uncle.
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POLÍTICA Also in Colombia, Misael Pastrana Borrero was president in period 1970 to 1974. His son, Andrés Pastrana Arango was elected president of Colombia from 1994 to 1998. José Manuel Zelaya Rosales was elected president of Honduras in 2005 and overthrown in 2009. Being unable to participate in the upcoming elections, he released his wife, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, who achieved second place in elections of 2013 . In Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez Reyna was elected president in the election processes of 1996, 2004 and 2008. In the 2012 electoral contest, Leonel Fernandez declined his presidential aspirations, but nominated its co-supporter for President Danilo Medina Sanchez and his wife Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez to vicepresident, favored leaving that payroll, which rules the destinies of the nation today.
1955. In 1973 Perón returned to presidency and puts as a candidate for vice-presidency to his third wife, Maria Estela Martinez, who assumes presidency Peron died in 1974. Ms. Martinez was overthrown by military in 1976. Also in Argentina, Nestor Kirchner became president of Argentina from 2003 until 2007, when he dies. From that date, his wife, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has served as president of Argentina after being democratically elected for two consecutive terms. Family Batlle of Uruguay gave four presidents. The most recent, Jorge Batlle Ibanez, between 2000 and 2005. Decades ago (1974-1951) was his father, Luis Batlle Berres. Luis was his nephew instead of another president, Jose Batlle y Ordonez (1903-1907 and 1911-1915), whose father was Lorenzo Batlle Grau Head of State between 1868 and 1972. Luis Alberto Lacalle was elected president of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay between 1990 and 1995. His son, Luis Lacalle Pou, was a candidate for presidency of the republic in electoral contest of 2014, losing in second round with current president Tabare Vazquez . Cheddi Jagan, Guyana constitutional president, to die in his tenure in 1997 was democratically replaced by his widow Janet Jagan as president since 1997. Finally resigned due to ill health and died in 1999.
Juan Jose Aramburu Flores was president of the Republic of Ecuador on three occasions, from 1830 to Curiously, current Dominican President Danilo Medi- 1834, from 1839 to 1843, and from 1843 to 1845. His na Sanchez, is a second cousin of remembered Colonel son, Juan Antonio Maria Flores and Jijon de VivanFrancisco Alberto Camaño, president of Dominican co was also president of Ecuador from 1888 to 1892. Republic in 1965, during the war in April of that year. Lincoln Galo Plaza Lasso de la Vega, was elected Head In the case of Cuba, when Fidel Castro an- of State of Ecuador for the period 1948-1952. His father, nounced that he would retire from power, he Leonidas Plaza Gutierrez was president of Ecuador in gave brother to brother, Raul Castro Ruz, in- two separate mandates from 1901-1905 and 1912-1916. heriting daunting task of governing the island. President Hernando Siles Reyes was thirty first preJuan Domingo Peron was elected president of Argenti- sident of Bolivia from 1926 until his death in 1930. na in 1946 and reelected in 1952 and overthrew him in His son, Luis Adolfo Siles Salinas, was constitutio-
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POLÍTICA nal president of Bolivia in 1969 and overthrown that year. The second son of Siles Reyes, Hernán Siles Zuazo was also constitutional president of the Republic of Bolivia for two periods, 1956-1960 and 1982-1985.
president from 1988 to 1993. His son, George W. Bush, was twice president from 2001 to 2009. Currently, the son of first and second brother, John Ellis “Jeb” Bush, is It presented to presidential race in GOP primary for 2016 elections.
Francois Duvalier, Haiti, who was president from 1957 until his death in 1971, was dictator of Haiti with title of Chairman Emeritus. He was succeeded as president his son Jean-Claude Duvalier from 1971 to 1986 when he was overthrown.
William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton, President No. 42 of United States of America was president twice in a row from 1993 to 2001. His wife, Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, former senator for state of New York, was presented in 2008 for presidential nomination in primaries of the party lost to democratic challenger, Barack Obama. Today, in 2015, again launches her aspiration to be a presidential candidate for Democratic Party, whose primary is to be held soon.
Laurent-Desire Kabila was president of the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1997 to 2001 when he was assassinated. Immediately after his death he was succeeded in presidency by his son Joseph Kabila Kabange, who remains in power today. Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India for 17 years), was elected prime minister and remained in this position for 15 years until her assassination in 1984. Then his son, Rajiv Gandhi, was elected who held the charge between 1984-1989. Eduardo Frei Montalvo presided the Republic of Chile for period 1964 and 1970. His son Eduardo Frei Ruiz also held the presidency of the nation between 1994 and 2000. President Theodore Roosevelt was in fifth grade cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, only US president to win four elections in 1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944 and died in 1945. Theodore Roosevelt was US president from 1901-1909. John Adams was the second president of United States from 1797 to 1801. His son, John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of United States from 1825-1829. George Herbert Walker Bush was
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Obviously, our country, Panama, has not been immune to these realities. Thus, our second president of the republic, from 1908 to 1910, Jose Domingo de Obaldia Gallegos, was son of Jose de Obaldia y Orejuela, who was vice president and seven-time interim president of the Republic of New Granada, when at that then Isthmus of Panama was attached to Colombia. Harmodio Arias Madrid was president twice, from 3 to 16 January 1931 and from 1932 to 1936. His younger brother, Arnulfo Arias Madrid took presidency of the nation on three separate occasions, 1940-1941, 1949-1951 and in 1968. widow of Arnulfo Arias Madrid, Mireya Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez de Arias, was elected president for period 1999-2004. Rodolfo Chiari Robles wins presidential throne and ruled the country from 1924 to 1928. One of his sons, Roberto Francisco Chiari Remon, was twice president of Panama, from 20 to 24 November 1949 and for the period 1960-1964. Omar Torrijos was a leader of the Republic of Panama as a dictator from 1969 to 1981. His son, Martin Torrijos Espino was constitutional president of the Repu-
POLĂ?TICA blic of Panama by popular vote for period 2004-2009. democracy, there are few virtuous face mediocrity, economic groups, accompanied by some thinCertainly, phenomenon of dynasties between presi- king sectors, hampering selfish internal fractions. dential candidates is observed in almost all countries and have relevance for decades. Appear that the weight Political dynasties continue to exist as peoples or of a name can take your candidate to presidential pa- reject the favor. What is palpable is a progressilace, where personalism has come to fill an important ve trend of trained youth in their lack of interest role and define political future, hindering cooperation in political participation because occasionally surof citizens and political enabling environment to build veys are higher in public sector than in private sector. a robust and strengthened democracy, a democratic system that guarantees common interests and not sel- From the above it is understood that it is necesfish particular causes, not only emphasizing generatio- sary to encourage good political leaders and promonal renewal but also to exchange ideas and concepts. te a culture of public leadership in new generations to show fitness work, giving a new value to democracy. Some agree to place limits on presidential dynasties in the constitutions banning them, indicating that no It is possible that in our democracies continue to emerge close relative of a former president could be a candi- new generations of political dynasties, which are intended date for president, like current impediments such as to continue to dominate political scene of nations, as if in the minimum age for position, ban on consecutive the context of political activity no chance of a leadership terms, exclusion of citizens not born in the country. capable, honest and intelligent to replace make themselves all those who covet everything is in family and for sake of Political organizations are forced to seek figures re- mission of governing consanguineous perpetuated. L&E tracted Policy Review shows that all is not well. They are not causing appealing to electorate propositions, nor have smart candidates, initiative and real intention to solve great difficulties of a country with knowledge to make good government decisions, or leaders with a clear ideology, with proven ability to lead Boat government with maturity, wisdom, wisdom, experience life and work, rather than children of bosses, little children dad socket head and pretty face. On the other hand, it is honest to note that in certain cases, although less certain successors of these dynasties have excelled not only because of their names, but have also maintained a vocation for public service and in some cases even beating its predecessors thanks to their talent and their work. But it is only the electorate and absolute obligation to know them apart. There is clearly a lack of political leadership and to ensure that policy will become an effective instrument for achieving high changes in rules of
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Must always BE OTHER
in
options
Democracy.
PANMANIAN ECONOMY QUARTERLY ESTIMATED GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FIGURES AT 2007 PRICES: SECOND QUARTER OF 2015
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The National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), the Comptroller General of the Republic with purpose of providing timely statistical information on evaluation and economic performance of the country, presents new series of preliminary Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (PIBT), with reference year 2007, including measurements at current and constant prices for the second quarter of 2015 and series retrospective years 2007-2014 to official figures that update the Quarterly National Accounts (CNT) and replace the above respective. The CNT of Panama, currently stands at PIBT calculation, based on the estimate of gross output and intermediate consumption in economic activities. This important variable, was published first in a series at current prices and also the series at constant prices, applying the new international method recommended and called “on chained volume measures” currently to 2007. The results are published in absolute values with adjusted financial statements, without de-seasonally adjusted and quarterly growth rates. Importantly, statistical progress represents first publication of two statistical series and that are preliminary, subject to improvements soon.
Source: CGRP (PIBT), showed an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the same period last year. The PIBT valued at 2007 prices (in chained volume measures), recorded an amount of B/. 8,725.4 million for estimated quarter, which corresponds to an increase of B/. 480.5 million compared to same quarter of 2014.
COMMENTS FROM SECOND QUARTER OF 2015 Activities related to domestic economy had performed well in the quarter, mining and quarrying, construction industry, local wholesale and retail, transport and communications, financial intermediation, real estate and business services, supply of electricity, private health and government services. To a lesser extent, manufacturing were developed.
In aggregate values related to rest of the world showed increased activities, port activities, the Canal and restaurants and hotels. Recorded decline, air transport, fisheries, trade from Colon Free Zone and export of pineapple, melon and watermelon. The cumulative For methodological development of the series, received economic performance for first half showed a variainternational technical assistance through consultancy tion of 5.9 percent compared to same period last year. CNT, Ana Victoria Vega and computer support expert in both subjects, Hernán Arbeláez within Improvement Then evolution of different productive activities is preProject for Public Policy, funded by the World Bank. sented: The performance of Panamanian economy in second quarter of 2015, measured by Gross Domestic Product Quarterly
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PANAMANIAN ECONOMY 1. Agriculture, hunting and forestry:
3. Mining and quarrying activity:
Agricultural gross value added recorded a slight growth of 0.1 percent, due to behavior of some activities such as banana production, which showed a growth of 15.9 percent in exports, while production of rice and corn, showed decreases in area sown and harvested over same period last year, 13.8 and 7.5 percent, respectively. In addition, cultivation of legumes and tubers reported 9.3 percent fall observed in area sown and harvested onion 6.1 percent, 13.8 percent and potato yam by 7.0 percent.
Mining and quarrying extraction showed a quarterly increase of 4.5 percent, promoted by use of source material, mainly sand and stone, demanded by construction industry. For six months, this category showed growth of 6.7percent.
Also activity of fruits that are sold abroad, such as pineapple, watermelon and melons, showed decrease in kilos exported 26.4, 11.6 and 32.1 percent respectively. However, gross value added of livestock sector presents a growth of 3.8 percent, mainly due to culling of birds which increased by 2.5 percent over same period last year, in turn producing cattle and pigs grew at 4.4 and 4.5 percent respectively compared to same period the year prior. The strong participation of this sector in the composition of agricultural GDP, affects growth. In turn, forestry activity decreased to 0.3 percent, based on behavior recorded by mills, compared to same period last year. The cumulative growth of the category decreased by 0.1 percent.
4. Manufacturing: reflecting a 0.3 percent increase in value added in relation to same period last year. This increase is due to meat products ranging 5.0 percent, driven by a greater sacrifice of bovine animals, swine and poultry, production of animal feed at 4.3 percent, and manufacture of paper and paper products ; printing activities, which together show an increase of 4.1 percent. Other activities are a positive development: production of sugar and manufacture of chemicals and chemical products. However other activities showed reduced production, if cement and ready-mix, by decrease in demand; processing and preserving of fish and fish products, reflecting lower export catch species; Distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits; production of ethyl alcohol from fermented materials; and processing of malt liquors and malt, among others. The first half of manufacturing industries showed a decrease of 0.5 percent in value added.
5. Electricity, gas and water: 2. Fishing: Fishing activity registered a decline of 6.5 percent, due to low catch of marine species. A reduction was observed in export of fish and shrimp at 1.6 percent and 23.3 percent respectively. Level category half showed a decrease of 3.4 percent.
category of electricity, gas and water reached a growth of 18.6 percent, attributed to hydroelectric generation contributed a growth of 71.5 percent and thermal generation reported a drop of 17.5 percent ; turn power transmission presented up 13.8 percent and power distribution 10.0 percent. Water production increased due to revenue growth at 2.9 percent. The first half category recorded an increase of 15.6 percent.
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PANAMANIAN ECONOMY 6. Construction:
9. Transport, storage and communications:
Construction activity has a set of 4.5 percent growth. The behavior shown by sector is result of execution of works of residential and non-residential buildings, initiated in previous periods, in districts of Panama and San Miguelito, this sector west and inland. Also continued infrastructure such as: rehabilitation and expansion to four lanes of Pan American Highway Santiago - David and to a lesser extent, road realignment work. The most important indicators linked to activity showed the following behavior: building permits declined excluding infrastructure at 9.1 percent, cement production decreased by 5.1 percent and ready-mix concrete production decreased by 31.9 percent. The category as a whole presented a semi-annual increase of 6.7 percent.
The value added of whole transport and communications sector recorded an increase of 4.4 percent, benefiting from performance in Panama Canal operations which showed a growth of 11.2 percent, since during this period increased toll revenues by 9.6 percent (at constant prices) and services provided to ships passing through this route, at 18.6 percent, due to port congestion on the west coast of United States.
7. Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods: The category is growing as a whole, 3.5 percent Wholesale trade grew by 9.5 percent, influenced by increase in value of sales of textiles, clothing and footwear; food, beverages and snuff; among others. Meanwhile, retail trade increased 13.2 percent, due to increased maintenance and repair of motor vehicles; repair of household goods; new car sales, sales of hardware and paint; Pharmaceutical products; food, drink and snuff. Wholesale activities of Colon Free Zone showed a decrease of 14.3 percent. The business activities in first half recorded a higher cumulative behavior, at 5.7 percent.
8. Hotels and restaurants: category as a whole for the quarter showed an increase of 2.2 percent as a result of increased visitors costs at 15.4 percent, helped by higher tourist arrivals. Meanwhile the IPC associate food and beverages outside home grew by 12.2 percent. The cumulative category showed an increase of 3.6 percent.
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The port system increased by 6.9 percent, increasing movement TEUs containers and bulk cargo by 5.8 and 25.5 percent respectively; Meanwhile, the overhead reported a decrease of 52.8 percent. Telecommunications business grew by 5.8 percent, due to increased demand for mobile telephony services as internet and cable TV. Air transport showed a decrease of 10.0 percent, for entry of new non-national competitors. The cumulative semester category grew by 4.2 percent.
10. Financial Intermediation: Financial intermediation grow by 9.7 percent, performance of International Banking Center, which showed during the period, an increase of 10.6 percent in financial services locally, with outside and commissions. Home mortgage, personal consumption, trade and construction: an increase in domestic loans to private sector, which favored portfolio balances in sectors as also observed. Activity of insurance companies reported growth of 4.6 percent, influenced by increase in premiums, mainly in fields of life, health and automobiles. Meanwhile, ancillary financial intermediation grew by 5.7 percent, driven by dynamism presented in generating insurance premiums. In the first half category grew by 11.7 percent.
PANAMANIAN ECONOMY 11. Real estate, renting and business activities:
The added value of this economic category grew by 4.4 percent; given by increased real estate activity for own final use (homeownership) in 3.0 percent effect of supply of new residential buildings. For this sector of economy, half showed growth of 5.1 percent.
12. Private education:
15. General Government (Another production of non-market): The value added by General Government for second quarter grew by 8.1 percent, led in part by increase in salaries in Central Government. The accumulated in semester, showed an increase of 7.2 percent.
16. Private households with domestic services:
This activity shows an increase of 4.7 percent due to greater enrollment in secondary level education level of Domestic activity services provided in homes fell by 0.3 general education and university education. Accumu- percent effect of decrease of employed persons in melated for first half of this activity growth was 7.0 percent. tropolitan area and rest of the Republic. The percentage change of semester for domestic services was 1.6 percent.
13. Social activities and private health services:
17. Other ingredients:
The activity of health services provided by the private sector, grew in the quarter of 9.9 percent, due to an increase in activity of both doctors and dentists and hospitals activities . This activity for the first half showed a variation of 8.2 percent.
Financial Intermediation Services Indirectly Measured (FISIM) allocated to intermediate consumption of domestic productive activities recorded an increase of 3.2 percent due to demand for loans in productive sectors such as trade, housing, construction and transportation.
Net taxes on products of grants 1.0 percent. Accumulated for first SIM it grew by 2.8 percent and tax The whole sector value added, registered an increase of ceeds of subsidies decreased by 4.3 5.6 percent, due to increased gambling in casinos and race track, while there was a decrease in national lottery. In the first half, category showed an increase of 5.4 percent.
14. Other community, social and personal service activities:
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declined by half of FIon net propercent. L&E
PANAMANIAN ECONOMY
I
CONSUMER PRICES INDEX
n September, four of twelve groups that make up basket of Cpi showed decreases, six increases and two groups were unchanged. The groups that had negative variations and most significantly affecting CPI were 3.8 percent Transport; Clothing and footwear 0.2 percent, furniture, household items and routine household maintenance by 0.1 percent.
Fuente: CGRP
decline recorded in class “products for home textiles” of 1.2 percent, decline in prices of sheet sets .
The other group that presents decrease was recreation and culture with 0.1 percent. Groups that showed positive changes in CPI were 3.9 percent Communications; Health 0.4 percent; Miscellaneous goods and services 0.3 percent; Food and non-alcoholic beverages; Transportation group recorded decline “Fuels and lu- Alcoholic beverages and snuff, and Housing, water, elecbricants for personal transport equipment” class with tricity and gas, all with 0.1 percent. Finally, groups Edu12.4 percent due to the drop in price of fuel for cars. cation and Restaurants and hotels remained unchanged In clothing and footwear group, significant variation in “Shoes and other footwear” class stands 0.5 Then graph monthly incidence per group National Urban percent due to decrease in price of shoes for ladies. CPI for September 2015: The group of furniture, household items and routine household maintenance was affected mostly by
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PANAMANIAN ECONOMY
EVOLUTION OF CONSUMER PRICE INDEX: MONTHLY AND CUMULATIVE CHANGE
L&E
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WORLD ECONOMY REGIONAL TARDE AT CROSSROADS: DIVERSIFICATION AND INTEGRATION IN A LOW GROWTH GLOBAL CONTEXT
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he value of exports from Latin America and the Caribbean will decline for third consecutive year in 2015 and will shrink -14%, according to new projections released by United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC, Mexico City.
Source: CEPAL
ning tasks of the region, which is not moved during the boom in prices of primary products. Among them are lack of investment in new technologies and infrastructure and improvement of production processes.
“The region is at a crossroads: either continue in current ECLAC presents its annual report Economic Commis- global context restricted by the way, or undertakes a more sion for Latin America an the caribbean 2015. The crisis active international integration that favors industrial policy, of regional trade: diagnosis and perspectives. In it is no- diversification, facilitation of intra-regional trade and inteted that sharp declines in commodity prices and lower gration,” said Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC. international demand for products that the region exports affected their shipments abroad. In 2014 and 2013 ECLAC report indicates that fall in value of exports and they scored reductions of -3.0% and -0.4% respectively. deteriorating terms of trade will be most acute in countries and sub regions exporting petroleum and petroleum This makes three-year period between 2013 and 2015 in products and raw materials. Venezuela will have a conthe worst export performance of region in eight decades. traction in shipments of -41%, -30% Bolivia, Colombia According to UN agency, it is likely that exports -29% -25% Ecuador, the Caribbean -22% -16% Peru, Arto region fall back in 2016, since prospects of a re- gentina and Chile -17% -15% Brazil, Paraguay -14% -12% covery in prices for next year are inauspicious. Uruguay, Mexico and Central America and close to -4%. The recessionary bias that characterizes current international economic situation prevents trade recover the dynamism Best declines in Mexico and Central America are mainly exhibited in pre-crisis period of 2008 and 2009, according to applied for their export pattern, where demand for US, ECLAC. There is a change in economic cycle characterized its main destination, has been more dynamic than that of by excess liquidity, a fall in aggregate demand, lower capaci- other regions. Moreover, Mexican and Central American ty of developing countries to absorb external shocks, slow- exports have a high component manufacturing which sudown in China, a growth of financial assets over real eco- ffered price declines not as steep as those of raw materials. nomy and a shift in capital flows to region, added the agency. Intraregional exports (for countries of the region) recorded In this context, there is greater pressure for coun- a contraction of -21%, higher than expected drop for extries to take austerity measures, which joins remai- tra regional shipments (-13%). The biggest drops occurring
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WORLD ECONOMY in South America and the Caribbean for its slower economic growth and lower prices for their exports. In contrast, Central America will have an increase in intra-regional trade (2%) due to greater dynamism of economic activity and greater integration of their economies productive.
China doubled its imports of these products by 2020.
The ECLAC document also presents results of a survey on implementation of trade facilitation measures in the region, conducted between November 2014 and July 2015. According to survey, average rate of implementation of such acIn terms of imports, the ECLAC report slogan a simi- tions in 19 countries in region reached 68%, close to that of lar situation, since an average drop of -10% is expec- Asian countries like Philippines, India and Malaysia figure. ted in value of shipments received by the region in 2015. ECLAC suggests that region places greater emphaThe slowdown of Chinese economy since 2012 sis on intraregional trade, strengthen implemenalso explains fall of Latin American and Ca- tation of trade facilitation -to lower the costs of ribbean exports, particularly of countries specia- trade between countries, and on coordination and negolizing in primary products that China imports. tiation block off major international trade players. L&E In its report, ECLAC indicates that “new normal�, which transits Chinese economy with more emphasis on consumption-an opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean to diversify its shipments to that country. For example, the region could become a strategic partner for China in food category, since it is expected that
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WORLD ECONOMY
THE WORLD BANK REVISED DOWNWARDS, 2015 AND 2016, ITS FORECASTS ON OIL PRICES AND OTHER KEY COMMODITIES
I
n latest update of its forecasts for 2015 on prices of commodities, the World Bank declined to US$ 52 per barrel on likely prices of crude oil, compared to US$ 57 predicted barrel in its July report this year. This update is due to an even more pronounced slowdown in world economic performance, current high level of oil stocks and expectations of increased exports of Iranian oil after the lifting of international sanctions, according to new version of Commodity Markets Outlook, a quarterly publication that the Bank presents an update on international commodity markets information.
Source: Banco Mundial
are adequate, and demand is unstressed, especially as regards industrial commodities, why prices may remain low,” said John Baffes, senior economist and lead author of Commodity Markets Outlook. Impact of El Niño in the commodity markets. Despite expectations that El Niño is one of the strongest ever recorded, it is unlikely that this weather phenomenon, which affects winds and water temperatures in Pacific Ocean and alter levels of rainfall, especially in southern hemisphere, will lead to a sharp increase in world prices of agricultural products, given large stocks of most of these products and weak linkages between global and national prices. Such considerations are consistent with little impact on world markets of previous El Niño. To date, world prices of agricultural products have declined, while those recorded in key domestic markets prices haven’t denoted pronounced deviations regarding trends, which can be attributed to El Niño.
The price index of energy produced by the Bank was reduced by 17% in third quarter of 2015 compared to previous three-month period, which was mainly due to a further drop in oil prices prompted by expectations of a slowdown global economic growth, especially in China and other emerging markets; to abundant stocks of that product and prospects of increase next year, Iranian oil exports. It is expected that in 2015 decline in energy prices, on average, 43% on figures for 2014. With regard to different energy commodities, World However, according to Commodity Markets Outlook, Bank expects a decrease of 5% in third quarter the year this phenomenon could raise significant local disturbanand 14% in 2015 compared to previous year levels. ces in the most affected regions. It is likely, in particular weather pattern that affects more to markets in more iso“We attended a five-year decline in prices of most lated local foods, not linked with international markets. commodities, which continued in the third quarter of 2015. Stocks of oil and other commodities Possible effects of nuclear agreement with Iran on
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WORLD ECONOMY world energy markets. Within several months Iran could increase between 500,000 and 700,000 barrels per day of crude oil production, which could reach the level of 2011, before the sanctions, which was 3.6 million barrels per day. In addition, Iran could immediately start exporting oil from its floating storage units that contain 40 million barrels of oil. Being equipped with the largest gas reserves in the world known (representing 18% of world total), Iran has ability to produce and export, in long term, a substantial volumes of natural gas. “In long term, potential impact on world market and in regional markets, export of Iranian oil and gas could be of major proportions if Iran fails to attract investments and necessary foreign technology to leverage their considerable reserves” said Ayhan Kose, director of Economic Outlook Group World Bank. The uncertainty about Iran’s ability to increase its exports increases risks to the forecasts on the evolution of energy prices. The downside risks are, among others, a production of OPEC countries as planned and that steady decline in costs, and increased productivity of oil shale in United States sector. Declining demand and substantial reserves could further affect oil prices. The upside risks are more pronounced decline in US oil shale and supply reduction caused by geopolitical factors. Outlook In the detailed groups of important commodities, such as energy, metals, agricultural products, precious metals and fertilizer analysis is offered. According to the report, • Metal prices fell by 12% in third quarter, in what represented fourth consecutive quarterly decline, caused by slowdown in demand; especially China. • Prices of precious metals fell by 7% in third quarter and is likely to decline 8% more in 2015 if investment demand decreases.
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• The prices of agricultural products decreased by more than 2% in the quarter, and the decline is likely to be 13% in 2015, due to existence of large reserves and high levels of grain stocks. • The fertilizer prices fell by 1% in third quarter, and its decline may be 1% in 2015, under weak demand and increased supply. L&E
WORLD ECONOMY
RECOVERY OF EUROZONE RECEIVES “CERTAIN IMPETUS “ ON HAVING BEGUN THE FOURTH QUARTER
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he advance PMI composite indicator reflecting private sector activity in euro area increased in October from 53.6 points in September to 54 integers, indicating that “economic recovery in euro zone returned to collect some momentum to start the fourth quarter.”
Source: BCE
ness discourages the ongoing recovery in region. “The PMI index shows the welcome news that euro zone economy has gained some momentum in October. New orders grew at faster pace the last six months, so that firms again felt motivated to strengthen employment levels, “said The latest data from the study by Markit have Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. remained still “slightly below” values observed in August, while indicating “one of stron- However, it stresses that PMI remains at a legest monthly expansions in last four years.” vel that indicates a modest increase of 0.4% of Specifically, indicator of business activity in ser- GDP, suggesting that region will struggle to vices sector rose from 53.7 points in September to achieve an overall growth of over 1.5% in 2015. 54.2 points, its lowest in two months, while manu- Specifically, he noted that the rate of job creafacturing sector remained unchanged at 52 points. tion, although increasing, remains insufficient to significantly reduce unemployment, while reThese data show that there has been an increa- newed fall in prices suggests that inflation will se in both activity and production services in remain in negative territory in recent months. manufacturing sector, which points to a “widespread recovery.” They have also increased “Unless the PMI index of business activity and new orders to its highest level in six months. prices recover significantly in coming months, relatively weak growth combined with deflaBy country, the two largest economies of re- tion indicated by study will increase expectagion (Germany and France) have recorded fas- tions that ECB will increase its quantitative easing ter growth in October. In particular, Germany program at its meeting December,” he said. L&E has achieved a growth rate “stronger”, while France remains modest, as growth in busi-
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ENVIRONMENTAL CAPSULE Francisco Gaitán Neme Interview: José Deputy Manager of Prospective Studies of National Water Commission of Mexico.
WATER PROBLEM Milena Vergara milena.vergara@rbc.com.pa
1. Which recommendations could mention
The problem is different depending on where we for example in Africa or India perhaps many people don’t have enough water there. In formal or informal supply networks are carrying federation or the government in general to population.
us to improve the problem of drinking water worldwide?
In this case it would first make them reach water, because what’s the point when saving even have it. There will be others who have enough water where other such as in our country, but areas are different is not the same as North than South but in general we can talk about saving water in our country, there is much water is wasted different uses, for example many people believe that improving water technology in agriculture can save a significant amount of water is the same that could supply drinking water for at least 50 years ahead. We in Mexico, we have no water problem if seen in a general context, but is not the same water in the South than in the North water. In the North it is limited by geographic, in the south is abundant also by geographical issues. The same happens in the world for where there will have to bring water and where it exists in abundance will have to Unaware of Panama and encourage water saving.
Panama mention because I believe that only Panamanians can you talk about what is happening in Panama. You know if it’s good or bad provisions that have service. Unfortunately or fortunately I couldn’t talk about Panama, I haven`t enough elements.
2. How you look to Panama to the world regarding water problem?
ENVIRONMENTAL CAPSULE 3. It seemed that information given by the Minister of MIDA in last night?
Interestingly, the Minister of Environment to talk about climate change and the impact of such climate change, water supply here in Panama. As for the Minister of Agriculture it was also interesting. We made one or more present because we were unaware the audience you had in front of you did know or not the situation in Mexico, because we are far see to start totally different in water, as all what concerns questions geographical. Here there is too much water, there are areas where there is too much water but most of the territory is arid or semi-arid.
First we are more than ever, governments or whoever service providers are faced with a situation of a growing population, and if they are deprived in this case and even if they were government because we like to invest if we are to regain that but nor investment we entered that part.
4. Which factors have influenced you consider water crisis we are facing?
6. Mexico has had similar experiences of droughts and floods in the same year. How it was faced?
5. What is Mexico doing to bring
about a saving in water consumption? As I said try to improve efficiencies in the use of water in irrigation and water use in the other services provided to users.
I just want to make clear that we as National Water Commission will not provide service, give water in bulk to large users who are farmers or utilities to part of municipal drinking water or industry.
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But what happens to the interior of utilities is responsibility of municipalities and utilities by legal mandate, we have no authority to provide service to users.
Note that I don’t know. We have floods every year... we have. Dependent as it sees drought. I commented that for example two thirds of the country is arid or semi-arid. We are used to living with water shortages especially in agriculture, in the north for example, where we have large dams or part of largest dams in the country at least for agriculture. While land is good they couldn’t produce or generate agricultural production is required because they have no water, then there was need to build those dams from long ago, more than a century to provide water to these areas. In the south where have large dams also, these have other functions are generating electricity and northern dams so generated are used to irrigate farmland.
EDUCATIONAL CAPSULE FAILURES IN EDUCATION SYSTEM AND SCIENTIFIC LEARNING
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he education system is facing multiple problems in all its aspects and proof of this was results obtained from the Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (TERCE), that left Panama badly positioned between countries of Latin America, being among the last, showing deficiencies in basic subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences and Spanish. Now, TERCE assesses learning level of juniors and sixth grades of primary schools in areas of Mathematics, Spanish and natural sciences, in 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as a region of Mexican state. The Third Regional Comparative and Explanatory Study (TERCE), aims primarily to determine quality of education in Latin America and guide decision-making regarding public educational policies are concerned. Therefore, it is important that academic tests were conducted in 187 educational institutions in the country between public and private, during year 2013 in which it was adopted as a basis for assessing average 700 points. However, in different media announced that Panama presented below that average score being as follows: In math third grade students obtained, on avera-
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Alexander Canto - Maestro de educaci贸n
primaria/Colaborador del Dpto. de Archivo archivo2@rbc.com.pa
ge, 664 points and sixth grade, 644 points. Therefore in this course the country showed similar scores to Nicaragua and Honduras, while on the other hand, was surpassed by Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay. In another area assessed was Spanish, where third graders scored on average 670 points and sixth grade, 671. In addition, natural sciences, score was 675. Therefore, Rossana Castrell贸n, vice president of United for Education, presented the report of results, and point to the media that document will serve to educational authorities to establish public policies in education. Moreover, she said report was prepared by Education Quality Laboratory of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). Reference to aspects before deficiencies which currently facing our education system mentioned is clear, looking directly reflected in learning, so education authorities and teachers should pause and assess themselves, if they are really giving 100 % to raise quality of education, and if they are facing in the best possible way educational challenges if we are contributing to the existence of an equitable education for all.
EDUCATIONAL CAPSULE Therefore, we reiterate Ministry of Education MEDUCA, invest more in education, providing all necessary tools to schools, in terms of infrastructure, resources and technological advances, in order to solve each of the problems which confront educational system, as process of learning is more effective in a comfortable and convenient environment for students, therefore tailored to the needs of each campus environment will contribute positively to enhancing the quality of education.
man Resources (IFARHU) award scholarships to students with high academic profiles to undergraduate studies, master’s or doctorate in prestigious international universities in order to convert science into active elements for sustainable development of Panama. In addition, this SENACYT, promotes creation and development of science clubs in primary and secondary schools in the country, as an approach to science research and scientific work of our students, an excellent initiative which undoubtedly contributes So be aware if teachers are actually using methodologies, to raise quality of education, it encourages our stustrategies and techniques to provide information, motivate dents a critical, analytical and investigative thinking. students, to guide learning, develop skills, assess knowledge and skills and provide spaces for expression and creation Note that both education authorities and government new knowledge in the implementation of classes therefore haven’t given due importance to this institution that seeks believe that teachers must implement new strategies, con- to develop scientific and research knowledge in our stutinuous training in short and long term, because we have a dents, as it currently SENACYT has a proposed budget cut society that has evolved and education needs to transform for period 2016 to August 1 % compared to the 2015 budget. to meet expectations a new society, in which daily changes occur, therefore the teaching-learning process, must also So, Martin Candanedo president APANAC said in the make progress in accordance with requirements of so- media that Panamanian society of scientists and researciety presented today as being at forefront of technology. chers are concerned about country’s development in terms of science, which calls attention to both society On the other hand, changing the subject is impor- as Panamanian State to see from another angle the motant to note that Panamanian Association for the Ad- mentum and development of scientific research in Pavancement of Science, APANAC, celebrated its thir- nama, which is conducted through SENACYT, which tieth anniversary this month, it is an organization helps directly to public and private institutions that founded on January 4, 1985 with a single focus, pro- promote knowledge science, through science and remote and develop scientific thought in the country. search, since they help full development of our country. APANAC through the creation of National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation SENACYT We urge educational authorities in conjunction with the stands, an autonomous institution created by law 13 of government to promote scientific learning in schools April 15, 1997, with the goal of making science and te- across the country, providing necessary tools, promochnology in development tools sustainable for Panama. te and invest more in science, and thus promote scientific education from primary, which seed will be traiNow SENACYT, showcases talents of young peo- ning future researchers in our country, it will help raise ple in scientific research, promoting inquiry and im- quality of education, as well as cope with various defiportance of science and technology education as ciencies which currently facing education system. L&E well as for the solution of problems of everyday life. Furthermore, this National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT), in conjunction with the Institute for Training and Development of Hu-
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FASHION
Nadia Chang - Strada Eleganza rbcweb@rbc.com.pa
BASIC CLOTHING FOR A
“MODERN GENTLEMAN”
This month I’ll make a list of basic items that shouldn’t be missing in any wardrobe, as we say the MUST-HAVE for any male wardrobe, I hope to guide them to go adapting what they have.
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It’s time to review your wardrobe and check that if all of these clothes and basic accessories for a gentleman with style and fashion. Here the tips. Over the years you have been accumulating various items, some of them are your favorite and the other used only occasionally. But does it have the rigth clothes? The essential? Does the type of clothing that should be present in a closet? “It’s probably time to revise your wardrobe to make sure it have what it takes” renumerate them all the things that modern man should have in his closet:
I
f you wear suits every day, you must have at least two suits. A dark gray and navy blue are the best choices to switch Their clothing. Of course two suits is not a limit, just a good starting point to build your wardrobe With the right outfits.
A
sweater for cashmere v neck sweater (very thin wool, good quality, not heavy and pretty harbors) for trips abroad to Countries with cold climates. Get one in a neutral color that matches their suits and shirts, for example, one in navy. If cashmere is not within your budget, cottoncashmere offers many of the same benefits.
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A
FASHION
white dress shirt for the most formal occasions. A white shirt is absolutely essential for those occasions when you must look impeccable. Try to get a nice shirt that fits well to your body.
A
dress shirt for less formal occasion faint blue. Having this garment in your wardrobe is as important as the white shirt, as it will be their ‘workhorse’ for his cabinet Monday to Friday
A
FASHION
pair of brown dress shoes.
You can search for other colors and styles later, but for now get yourself a pair of brown shoes with their suits can look anywhere.
A
good quality watch for formal and informal occasions. This may be a bit controversial, as many men are not wearing watches these days.
A
But they should use them! A good watch can complete the perfect outfit and a jacket without a watch is like wearing pants without a belt. Just what you need. JaegerLeCoultre, Orient, Tissot, Hamilton, Omega, Citizen and Tag Heuer are some options.
navy blazer.
A blazer can make any formal pants that makes you play. You definitely will use it more than you think you might need it.
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nd a belt that matches.
There are several brands and styles of belts, choose those that best combine with brown shoes.
A A MODA
casual chino. For those formal occasions requiring a gray color, chinos are perfect.
collared polo shirt.
This is another piece that looks smarter than a polo shirt, but it is equally easy to use.
Combine them with a pole above for a casual or a blazer for more formal wear look.
D
A
ark jeans. There has to be a fan of jeans to appreciate the aesthetics of dark jeans.
white polo shirt that fits well. This is a must.
Formal or informal, always a good option that will support all casual occasions.
S
Even if you don’t see yourself as someone who would wear a polo casual, some situations are apparent for comfort. And white is the most versatile color that exists.
neakers. Today the shoes are more acceptable than ever. Take them all weekend, and give a break to their dress shoes. There are plenty of great options on market. L&E
SPORTS CAPSULE
Albin Rodríguez albin.rodriguez@rbc.com.pa
Speechless Bolillo!!!
U
pon arrival to Panamanian soil Hernan the amount of ignorant people and humble little referring Dario “Bolillo” Gomez, Panama strategist, aggressively and even offensive especially with players who didn’t answer questions from sportswriters for years have tried to make room for our country Soccer.” who were waiting at airport of Tocumen. “The effort always try to give, today many people are Panama team lost to Mexico 1-0 in their final warm-up game enraged with us, insulting us, not just people who do ahead of Russia 2018 qualifiers, which start next November fans say 100% of our selection, but also sports me13 when Panamanian eleventh touch their visit to Jamaica. dia and journalists that even in tone and offensiNelson Gallego “Bolillo’s” assistant, has had to give ve mockery have referred to some of us, “ he wrote. statements to the press before refusal of technician. Panama leads 12 games without a victory. The team coached Gallego has said that Gomez is not happy with cri- by Hernan “Bolillo” Gomez will debut on 13 November ticism by Panamanian press toward him, and in Russia 2018 qualifying, before its similar of Jamaica. the 12 games leading Panama not get a win. It was learned that the Panamanian Soccer FederaThird place for Panama the in U-12 tion (Fepafut), will organize a helmsman and lived with members of the local press to discuss the issue. Pan American Baseball.
Felipe Baloy angry with Social Media and the Press.
Panama is recovering from an adverse marker and beat Colombia on Sunday at 4 races to 3, to reach third place in the Pan American Baseball Championship U-12 held in Nicaragua.
Central defender of selection of Panama, Felipe Baloy, discontent exploded on social networks for various situations. The Panamanian troops, led by Dario Agrazal reaBaloy attacked fans and members of the press after recent negative results of Panamanian eleventh. ched several individual awards with pitcher Fran-
cisco Cardenas and outfielder Francisco Villamil.
The also Atlas player, of Mexican soccer posted on his Instagram account the following. “Today I raise my hand to talk In the match Panamanian troops deployed an about a subject that tired and even disappointed, it’s amazing offensive seven hits and was led by Reginald Pre-
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SPORTS CAPSULE ciado, who gave 3-2. The victory was credited Alex Vargas as relief after working 4.1 innings. According to statistics from the tournament, Francisco Cardenas pitching triple crown was, after being the best win-loss record to 3-0 with 17 strikeouts prescription and effectiveness by recording 0.00. For its part, Villamil was the best right fielder of the tournament.
between New Zealand and Australia, party full of expectations from fans of the sport, as two great teams in the past have been will meet face in The Rugby Championship, which is played between 4 teams are New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina.
After the participation of France in the Cup, has come to light the withdrawal of several plaPanama could not reach the final, after the regular series in yers like Frederic Michalak, Pascal Pape and Nithe table lost the game against Mexico (5-5), by applying colas Mas, who ended his international career. a rule to define games in case of ties after nine episodes. Note that in Europe about 40 international matches are played, while in New Zealand about 20 international matches are played, why players from around the world play for clubs in France; however, this may affect the performance of players when they clash in competitions like World Cup. Whether it is said, that next year will be held the 6 Nations with teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales and first match will be February 6, 2016 in France where the team will be measured against host Italy. L&E
Rugby World Cup 2015 News
I
Jonathan Forget jonathan.forget@rbc.com.pa
n the quarterfinals of Rugby World Cup, Team New Zealand beat France by a score of 62-13, a defeat that brought about termination of the contract with coach Philippe SaintAndrĂŠ and there are several names that sound to fill the vacancy, such as a former coach Guy Noves Stade Toulousain from 1988-2015. For semifinals, played last October 24, 2015 before 80,000 spectators New Zealand beat South Africa in the second match, Argentina lost to Australia 15-29 respectively. The grand finale, to be held on October 31 in London, will be played
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CULTURAL CAPSULE
Mariela de Sanjur mariela.sanjur@rbc.com.pa
CULTURAL CAPSULE
Activities for November: Theatres: • Teatro La Quadra: A Streetcar Named Desire, November 25 to December 6. • Teatro La Quadra: Tequila and Rum from 18 to 26 November. • Teatro La Quadra: House of 7 Balconies, from 12 to 22 November. • ABA Theatre: Sex judiciously formed until 29 November. • ABA Theatre: The Villain and Mini-Nut until 29 November. • Bambalinas Theater: Pinocchio and Liehunters until 29 November.
Operas: • Lulú: Saturday November 21 at Theatre of Miraflores Locks, 12:20 p.m.
Fairs and Festivals: • Megatrends, Hotel Marriott, November 19. • Expo Film and TV 3 to 6 November Atlapa - The Islands.
Patriotic parades: • Patriotic parades take place in days 3 and 4 November, which started two days at 10:00 am • Routes this year:
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1. Departing from Simon Bolivar Park in San Felipe until ASSA Teatro Avenida Balboa. and ending after Seafood Market. 2. Starting from Multicenter, across coastal strip to offices of MOP. • Patriotic parades on November 5 in Colón and Natá on Central Ave. • November 6 in Penonomé on Central Ave. • November 8 in Chitre. • November 9 in Santiago. • November 10 in Juan Diaz, Chepo and La Villa de los Santos. • November 28 in La Chorrera, Bethania and Boquete. • Las Dianas at dawn on November 3 in San Felipe/Casco Viejo.
Sports: • Chess Tournament Atlapa November 2-7, Portobelo Living. • Russia 2018 Qualifying Soccer: November 13 Panama vs. Jamaica. • The Color Run Night, November 14 Costa del Este. • Russia 2018 Qualifying Soccer: Panama vs. Costa Rica on November 17. • Professional Basketball League 2015 throughout the month. • International Boxing: Canelo vs Coto 21 November.
Museums and Exhibitions: • MAC: Valentino Striped by Jacqueline Brandwayn “The Jaxx”, until 22 November. • Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama: XXIII ICOFOM LAM Regional Meeting Subcommittee in Latin America and the Caribbean, part of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), on 18, 19 and 20 November aimed at museum professionals, cultural managers, museum curators, restorers, historians, architects, archaeologists, museum administrators, students and related careers.
CULTURAL CAPSULE Concerts and performances: • Marco Carola, November 3 Bar The Yas, Coronado. • Road to Panama Music Conference, Playa Blanca 4 November. • Malibu Beach Rave top LEVEL- 3 and 4 November. • Yo si monto Cacho, Comedy, November 8, Teatro La HuacaAtlapa. • Rumba Fair from 12 to 14 November at Figali Convention Center. • Dream of an Angel, National Symphony Orchestra, November 13 on behalf of San Jose de Malambo Orphanage. • Reggaeland, November 14, Latitude47. • First Festival of Music Panamá 2015: MUPAROCK, presented by the Mayor of Panama in the Mirador del Pacifico, November 15 Cinta Costera. • Aquarela Carioca November 19. Ateneo, City of Knowledge. • Rawayana, November 20, Latitude47. • Like when you were fifteen, November 21, Figali Convention Center. • Ana Maria Simon-Pure Mother am stand-up comedy, November 21, Atlapa. • 90s and more, November 21, Latitude47. • Ruben Blades Intimo 2015, November 25, Latitude47. • National Symphony Orchestra concert, November 26 Amador Theater. • Friends of SENAFRONT Gala, November 27, Convention Center Vasco Nunez de Balboa.
Seminars, conferences, lectures, courses and Expo: • Megatrends November 19 Hotel Marriott. • The Caravan of Social Welfare, Women and Panamanian embassies on 19 November, organized by the Worldwide Festival in Atlapa. • Decision and Leadership Conference November 25, Holiday Inn Express Hotel.
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• “FREE CLASSES” Painting Folk-Dance-Dance-mask making. University of Panama. (VAE) 523-720 Coordination of Culture • FREE CLASSES “Music, Folk and Choral University of Panama (VAE) Coordination of Culture: 523-7204/7205. •Graphology, an enriching experience. November 25, Holiday Inn Express.
Activities and festivities: • November 1: Feast of All Saints. • November 1: Day of the National Anthem of Panama (Act No. 71 of November 11, 1955). • November 1: Foundation of Villa de Los Santos, Los Santos Province. • November 2: All Souls Day. • November 3: Separation of Panama from Colombia. • November 4: Flag Day. • November 5: Cry of Independence, Colon Province. • November 7: “Canillita” Day. • November 8: Cry Uprising 1821. Sona, Veraguas. • November 10: Cry of Independence of La Villa de los Santos. • November 13: Day of the Journalist. • 14 November: World Diabetes Day. • November 19: International Day of man. • November 19: World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse. • November 22: Solemnity of Christ the King. • November 22: St. Cecilia. • November 22: Musician Day. • November 25: International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. • November 27 Lady of the Miraculous Medal. • November 28: Foundation of the Fire Department of Panama (1887). • November 28: Independence of Panama of Spain. • November 28 Thanksgiving. • November 29 1st Sunday of Advent. L&E
Alianzas alrededor del Mundo Mitrani, Caballero, Rosso Alba, Francia, Ojam & Ruiz Moreno-ARGENTINA Guevara & Gutiérrez S. C. Servicios Legales- BOLIVIA Machado Associados Advogados e Consultores- BRASIL DSN Consultants Inc- CANADÁ Lewin & Wills Abogados- COLOMBIA Rivera, Bolívar y Castañedas- PANAMÁ Espinosa & Asociados- CHILE Lawnetworker S.A. Asesores Legales- ECUADOR Peter Byrne & Associates- ESTADOS UNIDOS Machado Associados Advogados e Consultores- ESTADOS UNIDOS Ortiz, Sosa, Ysusi y Cía., S.C.- MËXICO Estudio Rubio Leguia Normand & Asociados- PERU Adsuar Muñiz Goyco Seda & Pérez-Ochoa, P.S.C.- PUERTO RICO Pellerano & Herrera- REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA Alvarado & Asociados- NICARAGUA Torres, Plaz & Araujo- VENEZUELA Facio & Cañas- COSTA RICA