AGP Executive Report

Retiree Discounts Under Review: Panama President José Raúl Mulino says he’s weighing whether to veto Bill 226, which expands discounts for retirees nationwide, calling it “complicated to implement” and warning it could be economically unsustainable; he’ll meet business and other sectors before deciding. Energy Control: Panama has completed buying the remaining 41% stake in Petroterminal de Panamá, paying $191.7 million to take full control of the trans-isthmus oil pipeline corridor. Justice System Watch: In a Panama prosecution update, authorities say the motive in the murder of Swiss-Spanish businessman Miguel González was the theft of 77 kilos of silver. Public Works & Prisons: The Ministry of Government awarded the Divisa prison complex contract in Herrera to Riga Services SA for $181.1 million, despite local concerns about the project’s location and cost. Youth Prevention Program: DIPRED will run sports, values training, bullying prevention, and cultural activities in La Chorrera and the Emberá-Wounaan region to steer minors away from gang recruitment. Business Tech: Panama-based crypto exchange Gate launched a prediction-market integration tool for businesses, aiming to make forecasting features easier to add. Maritime/Climate Context: Reports highlight El Niño intensifying risks globally, while Panama Canal updates include loosening Neopanamax booking rules and ongoing water-and-revenue pressures.

Murder Case: Panama prosecutors say the April 15 killing of Swiss-Spanish businessman Miguel González was driven by the theft of 77 kilos of silver, as three suspects were formally charged with homicide. Prison Contract: The Government of Panama awarded the Divisa prison complex contract in Herrera to Riga Services SA for $181.1 million, despite local concerns over location and cost. Energy Control: Panama completed its takeover of Petroterminal de Panamá, buying the remaining 41% stake for $191.7 million to reach 100% state ownership of the trans-isthmian oil pipeline system. Business & Community: Panama’s 15th Corporate Social Responsibility Week is set for October, focusing on how economic, tech, social, and environmental shifts are reshaping responsible business decisions. Tech & Finance: Panama-based crypto exchange Gate is expanding into prediction markets with a white-label Event Contracts Builder for businesses. Culture & Lifestyle: Mariano Rivera debuted his Mo’s Heat hot sauce line in the Bronx, highlighting Panamanian flavors tied to his hometown. Arts Policy: A Panamanian National Assembly subcommittee was formed to review regulations aimed at boosting Panamanian artists’ participation in international events.

Energy & Infrastructure: Panama has completed the acquisition of Petroterminal de Panamá, taking 100% control after buying the remaining 41% stake for $191.7 million, giving the state full command of the 131-km trans-isthmian oil pipeline linking Chiriquí Grande and Charco Azul and boosting leverage over future energy and maritime logistics. Local Politics: President José Raúl Mulino will convene next week a meeting at the Presidential Palace with retiree associations and the Chamber of Commerce (CCIAP) to review how the newly approved retiree benefits law can be implemented and address concerns raised since its passage. Business & Trade: Panama’s ambassador in Romania met with the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss expanding ties, with a focus on tourism opportunities for Latin America and potential collaboration in naval services. Sports: Panama softball earned the No. 1 seed for the LeFlore County High School Fast-Pitch Tournament (Sept. 14–17), continuing a strong season with 7.4 runs per game and 11 shutout wins. Climate Watch: A UN warning says the world is heading toward record-breaking super El Niño conditions, with major knock-on effects for weather and supply chains.

Panama Canal Update: The ACP temporarily loosened Neopanamax booking rules for reservation dates starting 13 September, letting customers grab multiple slots for the same date and book consecutive dates under revised limits, while keeping vessel swaps possible if capacity rules are respected. Retiree Discounts Talks: President José Raúl Mulino will convene next week a meeting with retiree associations and the Chamber of Commerce (CCIAP) to iron out how the newly approved expanded retiree benefits law will be implemented after backlash and operational complaints. Local Culture & Arts Policy: Panama’s National Assembly committee analysis focused on Bill 616, creating a subcommittee to review regulations so Panamanian artists can better participate and represent the country at international events. Agriculture & Climate Pressure: Growers are fighting to save Cavendish bananas as farms face Panama disease, while broader El Niño impacts are also being flagged as a growing risk for freight and supply chains.

Panama Canal Watch: The Canal expects revenue to rise 6.6% in 2027 to $5.555 billion, banking on 10,750 deep-draft transits and tighter water conditions, including draft limits and reduced daily transits starting Sept. 15. Port Transparency: Panama’s President Mulino says she was unaware of why the Maritime Authority restricted public access to port concession information until 2036, after a controversial AMP resolution was published in the Official Gazette; the government signals steps toward greater transparency. Canal Geopolitics: A new analysis argues China’s commercial and maritime leverage has pushed Panama back into negotiations, showing the limits of U.S. pressure around canal-linked influence. Local Business & Industry: Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) expands regionally by buying Cementos Fortaleza’s Acajutla plant in El Salvador, adding 350,000 tons of annual capacity. Agri & Biosecurity: Panama’s gene-editing rules move forward as a new resolution sets a case-by-case process to decide when certain plants are treated as GMOs.

Panama Maritime Transparency: President José Raúl Mulino says he was unaware of why the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) restricted public access to port concession and maritime administrative information until 2036, after a controversial AMP resolution was published in the Official Gazette; the government says steps will be taken for “greater transparency.” Canal & Trade: A new report argues the Panama Canal dispute shows the limits of U.S. efforts to weaken China’s influence, with Beijing’s commercial and shipping leverage keeping Panama at the negotiating table. El Niño & Environment: Panama declared a national state of emergency over El Niño-related climate threats, while researchers warn vessel noise can disrupt humpback whale songs and shift migration routes. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Panama is adopting gene-editing rules that clarify when certain plants qualify as GMOs, using a case-by-case process that could streamline market access for products deemed non-GMO abroad. Business & Construction: Cemento Panam (Grupo Estrella) expands regionally by acquiring Cementos Fortaleza in El Salvador, adding a 350,000-ton annual cement hub alongside its Panama and Dominican operations.

Panama Canal & Climate: A severe drought tied to El Niño is straining the Panama Canal, with reports highlighting how water stress is becoming the real operational challenge for shipping. Environment & Wildlife: Panama’s Sustainable Pacific project says vessel noise can cut the chances of detecting whale songs by 40–45%, potentially disrupting communication and migration; the country backs a “quiet ocean” push to treat underwater noise as pollution. Housing Policy: Panama’s Executive Branch approved a law exempting Real Estate Transfer Tax (ITBI) on the first sale of new homes up to $120,000, aiming to boost construction and ease affordability. Immigration & Justice (US-Panama link): A deported Iranian Christian convert granted asylum in Canada is part of a wider US asylum/due-process debate that also references Panama in the deportation chain. Culture & Sports: Panama is listed as Guest Country of Honor at the Santo Domingo International Book Fair (Sept 24–Oct 4), while Panama Open Chess coverage notes regional competition momentum.

Housing Policy: President José Raúl Mulino signed Bill No. 661 approving an ITBI reform that fully exempts the 2% Real Estate Transfer Tax on the first $120,000 of a first sale of newly built homes, with a sliding scale for $120,001–$200,000 and a 30-month deadline from the occupancy permit. Immigration & Human Rights: CBS News reports ICE expanded “third-country” deportations, sending 100+ people from Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua and others to eight African countries over 10 days, with none deported to their destination country. Security in the Region: At a Panama gathering, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the U.S. is discussing joint strikes with Colombia against armed groups, as Colombia’s new defense leadership aligns closely with Washington. Environment & Indigenous Rights: In Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe families in Quebrada Nigua say dozens of men attacked their crops, destroying cacao and other staples, allegedly to clear land for cattle. Canal & Climate: A new study finds boat noise off Panama reduces the likelihood of detecting humpback whale songs by about 40–45%, highlighting growing pressure on marine life. Business & Culture: Sbarro’s CEO says the chain’s comeback is driving new openings, including in Panama, while Panama’s 5th Open Chess Tournament saw Cuban players place strongly.

Canal Safety & Water Levels: Panama’s MiAMBIENTE says Chagres National Park will stay closed from Sunday due to increased Chagres River flow, with all sectors shut and visitors urged not to enter, swim, or linger near the banks. Retiree Discounts Clash: Panama’s Chamber of Commerce (CCIAP) asks President Mulino to veto Bill 226, warning expanded retiree and pensioner discounts could strain financing for micro, small, and medium businesses. Cruise Boom: Panama’s National Port System reports cruise passenger traffic up 21.6% in Jan–Jul 2026 to 488,567, with more ship arrivals and onboard crew. Maritime Cooperation: Egypt’s Suez Canal chief called for stronger coordination with the Panama Canal to protect global supply chains amid climate and geopolitical disruptions. Environment & Rangers: MiAMBIENTE graduated 36 new park rangers to strengthen protection across Panama’s protected areas. Local Economy Pressure: Chiriquí business sectors say the province lost 50,000 workers, mostly young, pushing residents to leave and pressuring the regional economy.

El Niño & Canal Operations: Panama Canal authorities say drought-linked El Niño conditions are tightening water access, with a record $5.3m SK Gas payment for priority passage ahead of reduced transits. Safety Closures: MiAMBIENTE keeps Chagres National Park closed due to higher Chagres River flow, urging people to avoid riverbanks and tour operators to comply. Retiree Discounts Clash: Panama’s Chamber of Commerce asks President Mulino to veto Bill 226 expanding “discount on discount” benefits for retirees and pensioners, warning it could strain MSME finances. Cruise Boom: AMP reports cruise passenger movement up 21.6% in Jan–Jul 2026 to 488,567, with more ship arrivals and onboard crew. Environment Jobs: MiAMBIENTE graduates 36 new park rangers to strengthen protected-area protection across multiple provinces. Maritime Diplomacy: Suez Canal chief calls for stronger cooperation with the Panama Canal to protect global supply chains amid climate and geopolitical pressures.

El Niño & Canal Bottleneck: A SK Gas tanker (G Spirit) paid a record $5.3 million for priority passage through the Panama Canal ahead of El Niño-related transit limits, as drought keeps water levels tight and authorities prepare to reduce available slots. Local Environment & Jobs: Chiriquí business leaders warn the province has lost 50,000 workers, mostly young, pushing residents to leave and straining the regional economy. Protected Areas: MiAmbiente graduated 36 new park rangers (six women, 30 men) to strengthen protection and enforcement across Coclé, Colón, Chiriquí, Herrera, Los Santos and Panamá Oeste. Politics: Panama’s Vamos coalition approved steps to register as a political party, aiming to keep its principles amid proposed Electoral Code changes that independents say would restrict their participation. Sports (Panama Canal tie-in): The Little League World Series championship is set for Sunday, with Nevada vs. Curacao on ABC at 3 p.m. ET.

Canal Watch: A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (SK Gas’s G Spirit) paid a record $5.3 million for priority passage through the Panama Canal ahead of El Niño-related limits, with the Sept. 1 transit coming two days before reduced transits. Water Over Politics: A new analysis says the canal’s biggest real challenge is water, not geopolitics, as climate change and rainfall shifts push the waterway to rethink its role. El Niño Response: Panama’s government declared a national state of emergency over El Niño threats, while producers discuss strategies to protect crops and livestock. Local Business & Food: Organica Store became the first Panamanian business certified organic by the national plant-health authority. Agrotourism: A self-sustaining Guarare farm is turning rural life and milk production into an education-focused visitor experience. Politics: Panama’s Vamos coalition approved steps to register as a political party, amid debate over tighter rules for independent candidacies. Older Adults: Bill 226 would fine companies up to B/.10,000 for not honoring legally required retiree discounts. Culture: Panama’s National Ballet marked its 55th anniversary with a full production of Romeo and Juliet.

Panama Canal & El Niño: SK Gas paid a record $5.3 million for priority passage for an LPG tanker on Sept. 1, ahead of new canal limits as Panama faces drought-linked restrictions. Local Governance: Panama’s National Assembly approved Bill 226, raising potential fines up to B/.10,000 for businesses that don’t honor legally required retiree discounts, with ACODECO monitoring. Maritime Decarbonization: Panamanian maritime stakeholders visited the U.S. to study sustainable marine fuel options, focusing on low-carbon ethanol as the shipping sector pushes toward IMO targets. Culture: Panama’s National Ballet marked its 55th anniversary with a full staging of Romeo and Juliet, debuting the complete version in the country. Media & Society: Panama’s journalism council and broadcasters warned that influencers are increasingly doing newsroom-style work without proper training, stressing the need for professionalization and verification. Energy & Infrastructure: A separate regional story highlights how Cuba’s electricity failures are now triggering a Havana water crisis, showing how power and aging systems are tightly linked.

Retiree Discounts Crackdown: Panama’s National Assembly approved Bill 226, raising the stakes for businesses that fail to honor discounts for retirees, pensioners and seniors, with ACODECO monitoring and penalties up to $10,000. Maritime Decarbonization Push: A Panamanian delegation visited the U.S. to study sustainable marine fuel options, focusing on ethanol as a low-carbon pathway for shipping as the IMO net-zero agenda moves forward. Canal Under Pressure: With El Niño driving drought risks, Panama declared a nationwide state of emergency, and shipping costs are rising as Panama Canal passage restrictions tighten and wait times stretch. Local Integrity Watch: ANTAI’s investigation continues after Sherina Latorraca resigned from a public procurement legal role, with questions still centered on possible conflict-of-interest and nepotism concerns. Culture Spotlight: Panama’s National Ballet marked its 55th anniversary with a full staging of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” a milestone production for the country.

Public Integrity Watch: Panama’s ANTAI probe into possible conflict-of-interest concerns continues even after Legal Advice for Public Procurement director Sherina Latorraca resigned, keeping attention on ethics and nepotism risks in procurement. Trade & Investment: Panama is pitching itself as a strategic gateway for Indian businesses, highlighting the Canal, logistics ecosystem, special economic zones and the Colón Free Trade Zone to support regional distribution and headquarters. Climate & Canal Pressure: The government declared a national state of emergency over El Niño impacts, warning of drought, floods and knock-on effects for Panama Canal shipping, agriculture and energy supply. Shipping Costs Spike: With Canal restrictions tightening due to drought, passage prices are surging—SK Gas reportedly paid a record $5.3m for an LPG slot—while longer waits and surcharges ripple through global routes. Maritime Governance: A separate shipping mystery underscores how poor local consultation can fuel rumors when a Panama-flagged vessel is involved. Global Context: A new study says El Niño events are strengthening due to human-caused climate change, raising the stakes for Panama’s weather-driven disruptions.

Panama Politics: Deputy Paulette Thomas has resigned from the Vamos coalition, citing a lack of follow-up on her suspended case and alleging the ethics process moved without calling her to present her side. Panama Branding & Tourism/Investment: Panama unveiled a new international country brand, “Host of the World,” aimed at boosting its image as a logistics hub and tourism destination. El Niño & Infrastructure: Panama declared a national state of emergency over El Niño-linked climate threats, as the Canal faces drought pressure and reduced vessel movements. Canal/Shipping & Business: Panama-flagged MV Ocean Winner sank off Odisha; two Chinese sailors were rescued and 22 remain missing, while Panama’s maritime role continues to be tied to global port and schedule reliability. Local Economy/Tech: Indian ambassador says Panama is a regional business platform for serving multiple Latin American markets, leveraging the Canal and free zones. International Context: A new study warns El Niños are strengthening due to human-caused climate change, raising the stakes for weather-driven disruptions across the region.