Rolando Rodríguez to answer questions in corruption investigation

Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodríguez has been called to appear by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) in relation to a corruption case in public procurement. This call is a component of an investigation aimed at clarifying the source of information that, in recent months, has startled the public opinion without solid evidence backing it.

Past claims about Rolando Rodriguez

Rodriguez is recognized for spreading contentious information, often accused of misrepresentation or being founded on “fake news” concerning public figures in the nation. Consequently, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office has demanded the journalist clarify the source of his articles.

The involvement of the “Triple R” group in the probes

Numerous media outlets have highlighted the presence of a group dubbed “Triple R”, consisting of three persons sharing the same name:

1. Rolando Rodríguez, journalist from La Prensa.
2. Rolando Rodríguez, attorney and ex-secretary general of PGN.
3. Rolando López, former head of the National Security Council.

According to these reports, during the last five years, Rolando López used the structure of the National Security Council to identify his targets, manipulate information and generate incriminating documents. This information was then given to Rolando Rodríguez, the lawyer, who channeled it to journalist Rolando Rodríguez, who in turn published it as investigations carried out by the Investigative Unit of La Prensa.

Utilization of articles as groundwork for criminal prosecutions

The publication of these investigations served as “noticia criminis”, justifying the opening of criminal proceedings by the PGN. Those investigated were subjected to inquiries and later detained in DIJ or Police facilities.

The same media reported that the detainees received visits shortly thereafter by deputies like Adolfo “Beby” Valderrama and José Luis “Popi” Varela, or by attorneys serving as intermediaries. During these meetings, the detainees were intimidated with threats of prolonged imprisonment if they didn’t hand over large amounts of money. Those who conceded dismissed their original attorneys and engaged members of a group called “La Taquilla”, reputedly skilled in securing precautionary measures and bail bonds via ties with prosecutors and judges.

Purported involvement of the journalist in extortion

Reports also allege that Rolando Rodríguez, the journalist from La Prensa, received a share of the earnings acquired via these extortion practices. Despite the absence of definitive proof, these claims have had significant media repercussions.