The Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation against ICBF Magdalena officials for alleged directing of contracts.
The Attorney General’s Office, the entity in charge of ensuring integrity and legality in the exercise of public office in Colombia, has undertaken an exhaustive investigation into a complaint that indicates irregularities in the hiring processes of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF). ) in the department of Magdalena.
These alleged anomalies point to a possible routing of contracts that involves a large economic amount of $42,000 million, which has generated significant concern in the community and among control entities.
According to information corroborated through the complaint known to the Attorney General’s Office, the ICBF regional office in Magdalena had allegedly disregarded the instructions issued by the General Directorate of the ICBF, which clearly establish that contracts for basic education services for early childhood in Community Welfare Homes should preferably be held with Parents’ Associations (APF) or with ethnic groups.
However, a considerable sum, exceeding $42 billion, would have been awarded to the same foundations that have historically operated these services, ignoring the associations of ethnic groups legally authorized to contract.
Possible favoring at the ICBF Magdalena
The alleged orientation of the millionaire resources established for public procurement has generated a heated debate in the judicial and social spheres of the department of Magdalena. Attention is focused on the management team of the ICBF regional, which faces accusations of having awarded contracts in a discretionary manner and without following the guidelines established by the governing entity. This alleged favoring of certain foundations, to the detriment of duly accredited associations of ethnic groups, has raised suspicions about possible links or interests that could be influencing hiring decisions.
Repercussions and transparency requirements
The news has caused a stir in public opinion and in political circles in the department of Magdalena. Various voices are raised demanding an exhaustive investigation that sheds light on the events and identifies those responsible, if the irregularities are confirmed. The Attorney General’s Office, as guarantor of legality and transparency in the exercise of public power, has assumed the commitment to clarify the facts and apply the corresponding sanctions if disciplinary offenses are detected.
Ongoing investigation and requested tests
The investigation led by the Attorney General’s Office is advancing steadily. A series of evidence and documents have been requested to support the accusations and determine the scope of the alleged irregularities.
Among the required evidence is the complete list of contracts awarded directly by the ICBF regional management team in Magdalena, as well as a detailed report that identifies the officials involved in the contracting processes during the current administration. This evidence will be fundamental for the development of the investigation and for establishing specific responsibilities.
Commitment to transparency and accountability
The Attorney General’s Office reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Its disciplinary action is based on the protection of the interests of the State and the safeguarding of the ethical principles that must govern the exercise of public service. In this sense, the ongoing investigation seeks not only to sanction possible ethical deviations, but also to establish a clear precedent on the importance of respecting the procedures established to guarantee equity and equal opportunities in public procurement.
Retirement of the regional director and legal actions
In the midst of this scandal, the decision to remove the regional director of the ICBF at the Magdalena Mario Jacobo Ariza Monsalve in February of this year is remembered.
This measure was adopted in response to criticism and pressure generated by alleged irregularities in the contracting processes. The retirement of the regional director was based on the lack of management and the delay in the renewal of contracts, which had generated discomfort and discontent among users and the community in general.
Demand for declaration of non-subsistence
Mario Jacobo Ariza Monsalve, director of the ICBF in Magdalena, upon his retirement from office; He announced his intention to demand a declaration of non-subsistence. The former director of the ICBF argued that his dismissal is based on arbitrary decisions and that he has not had the opportunity to adequately defend himself. This legal action adds a new twist to the case and raises questions about the administrative and legal procedures involved in the removal of public officials.
Reactions and expectations
The news of the alleged routing of contracts at the ICBF Magdalena has generated a wave of reactions and expectations in society. While some sectors demand a rigorous investigation and exemplary sanctions if irregularities are confirmed, others express concern about the possible politicization of this case and the impact it may have on citizens’ trust in public institutions. In the midst of this scenario, the work of the Attorney General’s Office is seen as fundamental to reestablish trust and guarantee transparency in the management of State resources.
SEE: Congressman denounces ‘false experience poster’ at the ICBF Magdalena
