Investigation opened against former mayor of Jericó, Antioquia for alleged contract irregularities
The recent news of the investigation against the former mayor of Jericó, Antioquia, Jorge Pérez Hernández, and his ex-secretary of Planning has stirred up quite a buzz in the community. The Procuraduría General de la Nación has opened a disciplinary investigation into the alleged contract splitting for maintenance and improvement works in rural educational institutions in the area.
According to the findings of the investigation, irregularities were found in the contracting process for the works in the town’s rural areas. The contracts were reportedly awarded through an expedited selection process instead of direct contracting, with minimal values that did not ensure transparency in the state contracting process. The former officials are accused of disregarding the principle of equality by allegedly splitting the values of the contracts to avoid the proper selection process.
The Procuraduría has classified the actions of the ex-mayor and ex-secretary of Planning as a serious offense, with a title of serious fault. This is not the first time that Pérez Hernández has come under scrutiny, as he faced charges last year for allegedly reinstating an annulled administrative act.
Despite these legal challenges, Jericó remains a vibrant town with a rich cultural and environmental heritage. It is home to the Milagrosa Single Estate, where premium specialty coffee is produced. The ideal conditions of the region, with coffee beans farmed at high altitudes, contribute to the exceptional quality and flavor of the coffee produced in Jericó.
As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the implications of the alleged misconduct by former officials. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public service, and the need to uphold the principles of equality and fairness in all government actions. Jericó may be facing challenges, but its unique offerings, such as the Milagrosa Single Estate coffee, continue to shine as a testament to the town’s resilience and potential for growth.