After the intention of the administration of the rector, Etelvina de Bonagas, of the Autonomous University of Chiriquí, to have its own television channel at a cost of $1.5 million, was made public, deputy Fernando Arce, of the 4-1 circuit, clarified that he has no intention of submitting this preliminary draft to the Assembly.
“With the responsibility that has characterized my legislative management, as a deputy of the 4-1 circuit, I clarify to the general public that last February, I received the draft of a bill prepared by the dean of the Faculty of Communication of the Autonomous University of Chiriqui (UNACHI), Professor Rodrigo Serrano, professors and students of said university instance… After five months, I have not presented nor will I present said bill,” he said in a statement.
In the letter, he assured that he only promised to analyze the proposal presented together with his team of legal advisors, but after carrying out the pertinent reviews, he has determined that his presentation is inconvenient, for different reasons, among which was the budget issue.
“At this time, concerned about the national situation, I am working, together with the rest of the deputies, on an agenda of legislative priorities that contribute to the solution of the national crisis, through initiatives of social order,” he said.
The independent deputy Gabriel Silva stated that in moments as critical as what the country is going through, the resources of the State must be dedicated to solving these problems. He also said that Unachi has much more budget per student than the University of Panama or the Technological University of Panama and this is not reflected in the quality of education in international rankings, so provide them with more budget to make a channel of television is unacceptable.
