Dorothy Pérez officially took office this Friday as Comptroller General of the Republic, after having held the position as surrogate for the last ten months. In his opening speech, he announced a series of reforms that he will implement during his eight-year administration.
His appointment has generated criticism, especially for his statement on the “legitimate trust” in contracted public sector officials. This measure limits dismissals only through qualifications or administrative summaries, which has been considered a “setback” by sectors such as Anef and the CUT.
Pérez highlighted the importance of strengthening oversight and improving the delivery of results to citizens, using new technological tools and consolidated information reports. He also announced the resumption of autonomous audits and the implementation of a prior review of admissibility in the legal field.
He also committed to reducing response times to comply with the law on administrative deadlines and respond to citizens’ requests in a timely manner. In addition, he assured that he will delve deeper into the issuance of financial reports and will propose a more agile procedure for the processing of cases in the court of accounts.
“I promise to work with all my strength and to always be willing to incorporate your best ideas. “I want to be humble and open to receiving all the well-intentioned advice and support from every official who wants to contribute their experience and knowledge to this great task,” she said in her speech.
Pérez addressed the officials of the Comptroller’s Office, committing to work with all her strength and to be open to receiving their ideas and advice. He stressed the importance of listening to and applying the good ideas of officials, highlighting their experience and knowledge.
“You are the ones who best know the detailed and profound functioning of our institution, that is why I want to listen to you and implement each and every one of your good ideas; all are welcome.
I started with you 20 years ago, and you have always taught me and accompanied me,” he concluded.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to another edition of our expert interview series! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a prominent public policy expert, Dr. Isabella Torres, to discuss the recent appointment of Dorothy Pérez as the Comptroller General of the Republic. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Isabella Torres (DIT): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Dorothy Pérez officially took office this past Friday, after serving as a surrogate for ten months. What are your insights on this transition, and what do you think it means for the future of oversight in our public sector?
DIT: Well, Dorothy Pérez brings a wealth of experience given her time as a surrogate, which gives her a solid understanding of the challenges the office faces. Her emphasis on improving oversight and delivery of results is crucial, especially in times when public trust is wavering. This could potentially mark a new chapter in how the Comptroller’s office operates.
TNE: During her opening speech, she announced a series of reforms she intends to implement over her eight-year term. What kind of reforms do you believe would be essential for strengthening oversight?
DIT: First and foremost, transparency and accountability are key. Pérez would benefit from implementing measures that not only enhance financial oversight but also allow for clearer reporting channels for citizens. Additionally, engaging the public in oversight processes can build trust and encourage civic participation.
TNE: However, her appointment has faced some backlash, particularly regarding her comment about “legitimate trust” in contracted public sector officials. This new measure could limit dismissals only through qualifications or administrative summaries, and critics have labeled this as a setback. How should she address these concerns?
DIT: Addressing criticism is always a balancing act for any public official. Pérez could start by opening a dialogue with the stakeholders, including organizations like Anef and CUT, who express concerns. Demonstrating a willingness to listen and adapt could go a long way to alleviate fears surrounding job security in the public sector while still preserving necessary oversight.
TNE: That’s a very insightful perspective. Reforming public trust and navigating criticism can be daunting tasks. What would you say are the risks and rewards associated with her proposed reforms?
DIT: The risks primarily involve potential pushback from public sector employees who may feel threatened by these changes. If not managed carefully, it could result in low morale or even protests. On the other hand, if Pérez can successfully implement reforms that enhance transparency and accountability, the rewards would be significant—boosting public trust in governmental institutions and improving overall service delivery.
TNE: Those are profound points. As an expert, what metrics would you recommend Pérez use to evaluate the success of her reforms during her tenure?
DIT: Key performance indicators (KPIs) could include the timeliness and clarity of audit reports, the level of citizen engagement in oversight activities, and improvements in the responsiveness of public institutions to identified issues. Additionally, regular surveys measuring public trust and satisfaction could serve as vital feedback mechanisms.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Torres. Your insights shed light on the complexities of public administration and the essential role of oversight. what message do you hope to convey as Pérez embarks on this new chapter?
DIT: I hope she embraces a collaborative approach, recognizing that strengthening oversight requires a collective effort. By involving various stakeholders and addressing concerns transparently, she can set a strong foundation for her administration and truly make a difference in the public sector.
TNE: Wise words indeed! Thank you for your time today, Dr. Torres. We look forward to seeing how Dorothy Pérez navigates her term and the impact of her reforms.
DIT: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.