EDUCATION

FECE audits planned

The government plans to conduct audits of the 13 regions that received funding under the Equity Fund and Quality of Education (FECE) program which has generated so much controversy recently.

The announcement comes in the wake of problems that have surfaced in Chiriquí and San Miguelito.

In the San Miguelito case, more than $890,000 has been reported missing. In that case, an investigation found that checks appear to have been cashed without following proper procedures, and purchase orders appear to have been produced for goods that were never delivered.

Since the investigation began, seven education officials have been removed from office and prosecutors have begun a criminal investigation which could lead to charges of conpsiracy and fraud.