In December 2020, the Social Cabinet, as a measure to support this sector during the onslaught of Covid-19 in the country, ordered the “hiring” of 67 artists to whom some 100 million pesos would be delivered, distributed among all under the nickname of “advance payments for future parties”, which would be broadcast on television channels and digital platforms.
The measure brought with it several controversies and only days later, the coordinator of that Cabinet, Francisco Antonio (Tony) Peña Guaba, mandaba rescinded “all contracts” and ordered to continue the delivery of those funds.
However, in a report released by the Chamber of Accounts, which indicates that in this process multiple irregularities were committed, already more than 55 million had been distributed.
Two of those millions were delivered to Héctor Acosta “El Torito” who, in accordance with article 14 of Law 340-16 on Purchases and Contracts of Goods, Services, Works and Concessions is prohibited from being a state contractor due to his status as Senator of Monsignor Nouel.
“The following persons may not be bidders or contract with the State: the President and Vice President of the Republic; the secretaries and undersecretaries of State; the senators and deputies of the Congress of the Republic; the magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice, of the other courts of judicial order, of the Chamber of Accounts and of the Central Electoral Board; the trustees and aldermen of the Town Halls of the Municipalities and of the National District; the Comptroller General of the Republic and the Sub-Comptroller; the Budget Director and Deputy Director; the national director of Planning and the Deputy Director; the Attorney General of the Republic and the other members of the Public Ministry; the national treasurer and the sub-treasurer and other officials of the first and second level of the hierarchy”, states the Law of Purchases and Contracts.
The report from the Chamber of Accounts indicates that his legal consultant sent a communication to the Cabinet, on June 24 of last year, in which he indicated that this hiring was “a breach” of the legislative text.
It is recalled that “El Torito” has expressed that he “distributed that money among his musicians” to sustain themselves during the pandemic.
