Orrego defense Files Extensive Response to Dismissal Attempt with Tricel
Santiago, Chile - Lawyers representing Metropolitan Regional Governor Claudio Orrego have submitted a thorough 221-page defense to the Electoral qualifications Tribunal (TRICEL) refuting accusations seeking his dismissal. The response,filed Tuesday afternoon by Ciro colombara and Aldo Díaz,contains 1201 points of argumentation and requests the “total and complete rejection” of the removal requirement,along with an “express conviction” in Orrego’s favor.
The defense argues the accusations are an attempt to “install a false image of lack of control in the administration of the Metropolitan Regional Government,” which they deem ”ineffective and rightly false.” They maintain Orrego’s administration has operated with “strict adherence to the legal, regulatory, circular and governmental accounting enforceable accounting” and can provide evidence to support this claim.
The case before TRICEL stems from a July 25th petition filed by Regional Opposition Directors alleging Orrego abandoned his duties and violated administrative probity. this action followed a report from the Comptroller General of the Republic which reviewed regional government expenses and alleged Santiago government funds were used for Orrego’s re-election campaign.
Opposition counselors, including Álvaro Bellolio of the UDI party, brought the matter to TRICEL seeking Orrego’s removal. Initial attempts by Orrego’s defense to halt the proceedings with an appeal for replacement – arguing the opposition lawyers lacked proper standing and there were identification errors – were unsuccessful. TRICEL admitted ratifications from the opposition, moving the case forward despite a dissenting vote from Minister Gabriel Ascensio. TRICEL had previously admitted the opposition’s application for Orrego’s dismissal.