The Minister of Development and Social Inclusion and the Minister of Defense publicly defended José Jerí after journalistic complaints that revealed the visits of young women to Palace at night and on holidays, followed by hiring in public entities. Both denied irregularities and expressed their support for the president during an official activity in Lima.
The statements were made at the launch of the PIAS Terrestrial 2026 campaigns, organized by the Midis PAIS program in coordination with the Army. The event was held at the Pentagonito and brought together executive authorities and military commanders.
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The statement occurs after the dissemination of the Fourth Power report, which detailed that at least five women, between 29 and 38 years old, entered the Presidential Office and then obtained service orders or contracts in different State agencies. The coincidence in dates raised questions about the selection criteria.
Lesly Shica, Minister of Development: “The information is public”
Minister Lesly Shica stated that the president clarified the situation before the Council of Ministers. “The president has been clear with us and all the documents are on the Transparency portals as appropriate. The information is public,” he said.
Shica defended the questioned workers and rejected insinuations about their suitability. “All the personnel, whether male or female, who accompanies us in all the provisions of the field and in the territory […] “He is worthy personnel,” he said before the media.
He also asked for respect towards the people involved. “Both men and women, all, have fathers and mothers and their dignity is a principle that must be respected along the way,” he stated. It did not detail what were the technical requirements that supported each of the hiring observed.
César Díaz, Minister of Defense: “There has been no illegal situation”
The Minister of Defense, César Díaz, participated in the same activity because it was a joint intervention between Midis and the Army. In this context, he was consulted about the case linked to José Jerí and visits to Palace.
Díaz assured that the Cabinet does not notice any violation. “We are fully aware that there has been no illegal situation.” […] “That does not mean commission of any crime,” he declared.
The Defense Minister asked not to advance conclusions. “There is no need to make value judgments. We have the confidence and total support for Mr. President,” he stated. Nor did he respond to the coincidence between the meetings recorded in Palace and the later hiring in the State.
