Alleged Contract Steering Involving Colombian Legislators

A key testimony has emerged regarding the alleged involvement of Congresswomen Marta Peralta and Bererice Bedoya in a corruption scheme. The testimony suggests the lawmakers exchanged votes in the Public Credit Commission for contracts with the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. This development follows formal accusations against former ministers. Prosecutors are investigating claims that contracts were directed to entities like the National Risk Management Agency and Invías to benefit specific congressmen. The alleged scheme aimed to secure political support for government projects and to expand debt levels required by Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla. The investigation focuses on whether these contracts were used to gain endorsements for government initiatives. Investigators are looking into allegations that the national government used contract steering, referred to as 'mermelada,' to secure political support in Congress. The scheme allegedly involved awarding contracts to politicians in exchange for legislative backing. Additionally, reports suggest that suitcases containing cash were delivered to the presidents of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate. Lawmakers from the Chamber of Deputies' Finance Commission claim that current budget cuts have contaminated the processing of the National Reconstruction Law. The presidents of both congressional commissions have guaranteed that social benefits will not be affected.