Introduction to the Auditoría Superior de la Federación (ASF)
The Auditoría Superior de la Federación (ASF) plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in Mexico. However, recent reports from 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 reveal a concerning trend: over 51,000 million pesos remain unexplained, with states and municipalities leading the way in accounting irregularities.
Recurring Issues and Lack of Corrective Mechanisms
The alarming figures are not just about the amount but also the persistence of these issues. Year after year, similar sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure accumulate irregularities. How can federalized spending, which should be the most scrutinized, continue to be the least transparent?
David Colmenares Páramo, head of the ASF, has defended his management by highlighting recovery figures and technological advancements. Notably, more than 1,000 municipalities have been audited, and artificial intelligence is employed to detect anomalies. However, the problem extends beyond technical aspects and delves into institutional issues.
Institutional Challenges and Lack of Sanctions
The ASF can point out irregularities but lacks the power to impose sanctions. Consequently, those responsible for these issues rarely face consequences as observations pile up.
Further complicating matters, the ASF’s observation deadlines have expired. It appears that Colmenares’ team is unaware that the investigation and sanction term is five years.
Inefficiency in the Special Auditor for Federalized Spending
Emilio Barriga Delgado, the Special Auditor for Federalized Spending, has been ineffective in pursuing administrative responsibilities from 2016 and 2017. His illegal prolongation of audiences for over four years, violating the prescription figure and citizens’ rights, exemplifies his inability to sanction effectively.
Moreover, the cross-auditing process remains non-communicative and ineffective, further highlighting the fiscalization and reparatory accountability’s mediocrity and inefficiency.
The Need for a Robust Legal Framework
Accountability cannot solely rely on the ASF’s technical capabilities and the mediocrity of its auditors. A strong legal framework is required to enforce corrections, sanctions, and prevention. Reports should translate into concrete actions rather than remaining in Congress archives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Auditoría Superior de la Federación (ASF)? The ASF is a Mexican oversight body responsible for ensuring transparency and accountability in federal spending.
- What are the main issues highlighted by recent ASF reports? More than 51,000 million pesos remain unexplained, with states and municipalities leading accounting irregularities.
- Why are the issues persisting despite technological advancements? The problem extends beyond technical aspects and involves institutional challenges, such as the ASF’s lack of sanctioning power.
- What is the role of Emilio Barriga Delgado, the Special Auditor for Federalized Spending? Barriga Delgado is responsible for auditing federal spending, but his efforts have been ineffective due to prolonged processes and lack of sanctions.
- Why is a robust legal framework necessary for accountability? A strong legal structure is required to enforce corrections, sanctions, and prevention, ensuring that reports translate into concrete actions.
