Evidence of embezzlement was presented in Ecuador for his trial against Laso

On Wednesday afternoon, Assembly members Viviana Feloz and Mireya Pazminho, on behalf of the applicants to impeach the President, presented to Legislative Schedule 11 documentary evidence against the President for alleged embezzlement (embezzlement) in a contract between the Ecuadorian Oil Fleet (Flopec) and the Amazonas Tanker.

Fellowes explained that among the files turned over was an examination by the Office of the State Comptroller General warning President Laso of alleged irregularities in the contract between Flopec and the Amazonas Tanker.

Another test the Citizen’s Revolution council member expected were the files released by the former anti-corruption minister, Luis Verdsoto, on these alleged contract inconsistencies; As well as a message from Vice Admiral Johnny Estupinyan.

Likewise, they requested the appearance of 12 witnesses to support the accusation, despite the ruling party’s insistence on the innocence of the CEO.

For the president of the commission, Fernando Villavicencio, it is necessary to “unique” the evidence, that is, to frame it only in relation to embezzlement, otherwise the process would remain “in limbo”.

With this argument, other legislators, such as Joana Moreira, of the Democratic Left, have mentioned the possibility of the Constitutional Court (CC) overturning the measure that could lead to the end of Lasso’s term.

However, lawyer Ismael Quintana clarified that the Constitutional Court does not have powers to review the impeachment procedures, let alone declare the annulment.

According to the conditions stipulated in the Legislative Function Act, the commission must have a report ready on this subject within a maximum period of 30 days, divided into several stages.

Currently, the schedule gives until April 16 for Lasso and his defense to present acquittal evidence.

Regardless of that parliamentary group’s decision to censure the head of state, 92 votes are needed, equivalent to two-thirds of the entire assembly, made up of 137 parliamentarians.

rgh/avr