Deputy Luis Cuello (PC) has labeled the decision by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Jorge Alessandri, not to pursue legal action against former lawmaker Camila Flores as "unacceptable."
The criticism follows a request from a group of opposition legislators who had urged the Chamber to consider filing a complaint regarding the alleged misuse of parliamentary allowances. The case stems from an investigation by the Valparaíso Prosecutor's Office into potential fraud against the state, which could amount to 300 million pesos.
The investigation, which remains under seal, is examining potential irregularities in the use of public funds during Flores’s legislative terms. The Regional Anti-Corruption Unit and the Carabineros' OS9 division are both involved in the probe.
The Chamber's Position
For his part, Deputy Jorge Alessandri maintained that the institution lacks the legal authority to initiate such judicial proceedings. He also noted that oversight limitations arise once funds have been transferred, making it difficult to track the final destination of the money.
Alessandri further clarified that the document submitted by the opposition has not yet been formally filed with the institution.
Cuello rejected the Chamber leadership's legal interpretation and warned of the impact this stance would have on public opinion.
"They have interpreted the situation to mean they cannot do anything, and that, ultimately, sends a bad signal regarding corruption," the lawmaker stated.
He insisted that the Chamber's Board must utilize all available legal tools and take an active role. According to Cuello, the response provided to a legally grounded request is insufficient to address the reported facts.