Friday, March 14, 2025.
No More Wasted Time: A Philosophy for Living
Time is the one currency you can’t earn back. Every second spent on things that drain your energy, that steal you away from what truly matters—family, faith, and self—is a second lost forever. Too often, we surrender our time to obligations that don’t serve us, to meetings that mean nothing, to routines that dull rather than enrich us. But why? Out of habit? Obligation? Fear of saying no?
Today, Sayira and I took a helicopter ride just for the hell of it. No agenda, no purpose beyond the sheer joy of living. Apart from seeing Panama City from a whole new angle, she got to experience something completely new—something she might never have done if we were stuck in the cycle of saying yes to the wrong things.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my grandfather. He was the pillar of our family, the man who held everything together. He wasn’t just respected—he was loved. One of the most popular of people in our small town, known mostly because of his big heart. Losing him was a travesty, a loss that rippled through our lives in ways we never fully recovered from. Roughly 44 years ago now, he passed away at 55—just one day before his 56th birthday.
This year, I turn 55. And that fact has hit me harder than I expected. It’s made me reevaluate everything—how I spend my time, what I say yes to, what I let steal my energy. My new philosophy? No more wasting time on things that pull me away from what’s truly important. If it doesn’t serve my faith, my family, or my own sense of purpose, it’s not worth my time.
Life is too short. Too unpredictable. Too precious. Say no to what drains you. Say yes to what fills your soul. Say yes to life.
Brett Mikkelson
CEO, BM Investigations
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
DGI: Deadline Extended for Individual Income Tax Return Filing
The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) announced an extension for the filing deadline of the Individual Income Tax Return.
The new deadline will be Monday, March 17, 2025, instead of March 15, as this date falls on a Saturday, a non-business day.
With this measure, the DGI aims to facilitate tax compliance and help taxpayers avoid penalties. The institution urges citizens to stay informed and fulfill their tax responsibilities within the new deadline.
Avoid Penalties for Non-Compliance
The DGI reminded taxpayers that failing to submit their tax return within the established timeframe may result in penalties.
According to Article 753 of the Tax Code of Panama, individuals who do not file their Income Tax Return on time will face fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the delay period and the taxpayer’s compliance history.
Additionally, non-compliance may lead to surcharges and interest on the amount owed, affecting the taxpayer’s financial situation.
For more information and details on the filing process, taxpayers can visit the official website dgi.mef.gob.pa or follow the institution’s social media accounts at @dgipma.
Teachers Do Not Rule Out ‘Indefinite Strike’ in Protest Against CSS Reforms
The Association of Professors of the Republic of Panama (Asoprof) has not ruled out launching an indefinite strike if Bill No. 163 is enacted by the Executive Branch.
Fernando Ábrego, Asoprof’s Secretary-General, stated that they are waiting for the third debate on the bill before announcing the date for a 24-hour work stoppage in protest against the modifications approved by lawmakers.
Teachers are waiting for the reforms to the Organic Law of the Social Security Fund (CSS) to be sent to the president before announcing further actions, as they argue that the bill’s enactment would put Panamanians’ pensions and retirements at risk.
“Once the President of the Republic signs the bill into law, we will take additional actions, which we will announce to the country. However, we do not rule out an indefinite strike with street protests,” Ábrego emphasized.
The teachers acknowledged that, like business leaders, they are concerned about how a work stoppage could impact students’ learning. However, they argue that the modifications approved in the second debate by the National Assembly’s plenary session will ultimately harm young people, so they will maintain their stance.
According to the teachers, the current bill worsens working conditions for the labor class and their families. Therefore, they urge authorities to assess the repercussions of what has been passed by the Legislative Branch.
On Wednesday, construction workers also protested against the bill, staging roadblocks in several parts of the country and announcing further actions in defense of the CSS.
In response to claims from social organizations about an increase in the retirement age, several lawmakers have clarified that this measure was not included in the bill.
Independent lawmaker Manuel Samaniego urged teachers not to harm students over an issue that “does not exist.”
“Apologies, teachers, but no increase in the retirement age was approved,” he reiterated on his social media.
Samaniego also called on Suntracs (the construction workers’ union), saying, “Stop lying to the people. Protect the little credibility you have left.”
Meanwhile, the business sector has called for dialogue and reconciliation, emphasizing that the country’s economic future depends on this bill.
Panama City Hall Announces Electronic Waste Recycling Campaign
The Panama City Hall invites citizens to participate in the “Electronic Waste Recycling Campaign,” which will take place this Saturday, March 15, at Helidoro Patiño Park in Juan Díaz.
The campaign, organized by the Environmental Management Directorate, will run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will accept a variety of electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, computers, cables, headphones, televisions, chargers, speakers, tablets, remote controls, video game consoles, and cameras.
Details of Panama City Hall’s Recycling Campaign
This event is part of the “One Cell Phone, One Tree” program, which aims to plant trees in Panama’s watershed areas. Recycling these electronic devices helps recover materials such as plastics, metals, and glass, contributing to waste reduction and preventing air, water, and soil pollution.
January 2025 Tax Revenues Exceeded Expectations with $616.2 Million
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) reported that, according to preliminary data from the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI), current revenues in January 2025 reached $616.2 million, exceeding the budgeted amount by $111 million and marking a 24.8% increase compared to the same month in 2024.
Of the total revenue collected, $439.9 million came from tax revenues, which recorded a surplus of $19.9 million above the budget and grew by 9.2% compared to January 2023. Direct taxes exceeded expectations by $31.7 million, while indirect taxes showed a deficit of $11.8 million.
Payments made with tax documents amounted to $14.3 million, with fuel consumption contributing $13.2 million. Meanwhile, non-tax revenues totaled $173.8 million, surpassing the budgeted amount by $88.7 million and increasing by $84.3 million compared to January 2024.
Fees and duties exceeded the budget by 49.2%, while profit-sharing and contributions significantly outperformed expectations, with a remarkable excess of 374.4%.
The United States Considers ‘Increasing’ Military Presence in Panama Amid Diplomatic Tensions
According to NBC, on Thursday, March 13, the White House ordered the U.S. Armed Forces to develop options to “increase” the troop presence in Panama.
This measure would respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s objective to “recover” the Panama Canal, as revealed by two U.S. officials familiar with the planning.
Trump, who began his new term on January 20, has repeatedly expressed his intention for the United States to regain control of the Canal. During his speech to Congress on March 4, he declared that the U.S. “is recovering” the waterway.
According to NBC, the U.S. Southern Command is developing various plans, ranging from closer collaboration with Panamanian security forces to the less likely option of taking the Panama Canal by force. However, the officials indicated that the use of force would depend on the level of cooperation from the Panamanian “army” with Washington.
The officials stated that the Trump administration’s goal is to “increase” the U.S. military presence in Panama to reduce China’s influence, particularly regarding access to the waterway. However, the Panamanian government has denied any Chinese interference in the Panama Canal, while the Chinese government has called the claims about supposed Chinese control over the interoceanic route “completely false.”
On the other hand, U.S. officials informed NBC News that the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey, presented a draft of strategies to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth this week. It is worth noting that Holsey made an official visit to Panama on February 19 and 20 to “strengthen security cooperation and address critical regional challenges,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Panama. This was his first visit to the country since taking leadership of Southern Command in November 2024.
Regarding Hegseth, Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, announced that the U.S. Secretary of Defense will visit the country in April. “Important agreements are expected to be reached that will positively impact the region as strategic partners,” Ábrego posted on his X account on February 4.
According to NBC, officials indicated that a U.S. invasion of Panama is unlikely and would only be seriously considered if a larger military presence in the country failed to achieve Trump’s goal of reclaiming the waterway. The U.S. president has declared his intention to regain control of the canal, which was transferred to Panama following the reversal of the Canal Zone under a treaty signed by the Jimmy Carter administration (1924–2024).
Privately, Trump has communicated to his advisors that he considers the U.S. military presence in Panama and the canal to be essential. He has also made it clear that he wants U.S. military personnel to be visible in the area as a demonstration of strength.
The strategies under evaluation by the administration include ensuring the safe passage of U.S. vessels to restoring full ownership and operation of the canal to the United States, according to sources consulted by NBC. Other options include deploying troops to secure existing ports in Panama, building new ports, or allowing the Army Corps of Engineers to operate the canal’s locks.
Another objective of the ongoing planning is the possible deployment of U.S. military forces near Panama in the event of a regional war or a threat to the United States. In this scenario, the U.S. military would seek to secure the Panama Canal and block China’s access to this important maritime route. U.S. officials warned that the U.S. would only prevent the transit of Chinese vessels in the event of an armed conflict.
For now, the Panamanian government has not issued a reaction to these statements from U.S. officials to NBC.
Cobre Panamá Responds to President Mulino’s Decision on Minera Panamá
The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, announced on Thursday that he authorized the extraction and exportation of the copper concentrate stored at the Donoso mine, owned by Cobre Panamá, following the closure of operations by the company Minera Panamá.
“I anticipate, so that there is no misunderstanding, that I authorized the removal of the material that is ground there, which is being wasted, and on which Panama has invested a lot of money, and they must reimburse Panama once that material is processed outside of Panama,” explained the president during his weekly conference.
Furthermore, the president authorized the reactivation of the 300-megawatt thermoelectric plant located at the mine, with the goal of enabling the export of the mineral and the importation of coal.
Cobre Panamá responds after President Mulino’s announcement Following the executive’s announcement, Cobre Panamá expressed its satisfaction and reaffirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue to find solutions for the benefit of the country.
“We welcome the statements of President José Raúl Mulino regarding the authorizations to export copper concentrate, import coal, and reactivate the power generation plant,” the company stated in a press release.
In addition, Cobre Panamá emphasized that the funds obtained from the export of the concentrate will allow them to continue preservation activities at the mine and meet fiscal obligations in accordance with the current regulations.
“We will continue working hand-in-hand with authorities and local communities to ensure that all activities are carried out safely and responsibly, maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders involved,” the company added.
Panama Seeks to Consolidate Its Position as a Pharmaceutical Hub
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Julio Moltó, stated that they are in discussions with various companies and countries to achieve this goal.
The intention of President José Raúl Mulino is to consolidate Panama as a regional pharmaceutical hub, said the Minister of Commerce and Industries (MICI), Julio Moltó, to this outlet.
“As a country, we can have this type of industry, and we are in discussions with companies like Roche and countries like India and Singapore to make it happen. The conversations are quite advanced,” said the minister.
This follows a meeting on January 30 between Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, Carlos Hoyos, and Roche’s General Manager for Central America and the Caribbean, Álvaro Soto, to discuss the possibility of establishing a high-level clinical research center in Panama.
Regarding India, Moltó mentioned that they are interested in the generic pharmaceutical industry, which is managed by the Eastern nation. “We are trying to establish this industry in Panama to distribute both to the country and other territories in the region,” he explained.
On April 24, 2023, India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, met with the then Panamanian Foreign Minister, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, to announce that India sees Panama as a gateway to enter the Americas and venture into the Latin American market with technology for drug production and strengthening pharmaceutical companies.
Another country with which Panama is in ongoing talks is Paraguay, which, according to Moltó, “has a very important pharmaceutical industry.” This is being worked on within the framework of Panama’s new relations with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), of which Paraguay is one of its key members.
“Having these countries come to produce here will give them access to the local market, which benefits us because we do not produce medicines. Someone who produces medicines here can provide us with cheap medicine. And we, as a logistics and redistribution hub, can help them reach other parts of Central America and the Caribbean,” he reflected.
Moltó gave the example of the British company Haleon, which produces 700 million pills, including Panadol, every year from Panamanian soil.
“This company, located in Juan Díaz, plans to double its production in the coming years, and we can take advantage of that,” he emphasized.
The idea of developing a pharmaceutical hub in Panama is not new, but it has gained new momentum since the pandemic. On December 7, 2021, the then-President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, presented a multidisciplinary action plan for the development of Panama’s pharmaceutical hub, developed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
