Many Panamanians Call for Penal Veto
While Panamanian President Martin Torrijos has still not announced his decision on a penal code reform bill approved by the National Assembly, there were increasing calls for him to veto it on Monday .

Panamanian House Speaker Diego Eleta was the latest to join the list of those asking President Torrijos to reject the proposal, and he noted the proposal to halve sentences of public officials accused of corruption.

Eleta commented on the great disparity between crime and punishment.

Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez as well as National Transparency Council Executive Secretary Alma Montenegro called for President Torrijos to veto the bill.

Montenegro recognized the project makes some progress but because recommendations of the Penal Code Commission were not followed, revision is needed.

Panamanian Law School President Mercedes de Grimaldo and other legal notables gave their opinions on the law project, most of them against it.

La Prensa daily said the question is whether President Torrijos will reject the document, or use a partial veto as many politicians and officials suggest.