There is no work, no new jobs can be created in this institution, warns the prefect of Cotopaxi, Lourdes Tibán, in a video in which the strongest part is the condemnation of the charges of up to 4,000 dollars for work.

In the audio-visual recording, the officer shows a complaint registered with the Prosecutor’s Office, talks about another charge of $2,200 for a false recommendation to help her with household chores and confirms that she was charged with security jobs. “I cannot understand how corruption spreads its tentacles even at the lowest level,” he says.

Lourdes Tibán denounced that officials received money in exchange for securing a position in Cotopaxi prefecture

Complaints about the sale of public positions are not new in Ecuador. Those who access the payment justify themselves with the desire to get a job, but they must take into account that they are supporting corruption.

The complaint of the prefect of Cotopaxi is an opportunity for this regional entity and other institutions to open investigations so that all personnel selection is done transparently and professionally, without harming in any way citizens who are looking for work.

Guardians of impunity

Corruption is reprehensible in all areas and is even more devastating when it attacks vulnerable people, desperate for lack of work or opportunity.

Articles 285 and 286 of the Comprehensive Criminal Code (COIP) sanction it as influence peddling, with penalties ranging from three to five years in prison. Penalties were also imposed for illegal association for the purpose of competing for public offices.

The law sanctions these illegal actions. Those responsible must be charged, and the judiciary must act harshly. The earth cannot remain under the influence of video; It is the government’s obligation to follow up on complaints about corruption so that it does not continue at any level, and institutions restore the respect and trust of citizens. (OR)