Controversy Over Misuse of Public Resources: Demand for Investigation into Exclusive Media Coverage on Government Project

Original article: Polémica en la zanja: Piden a Contraloría investigar uso indebido de recursos públicos en «pauta exclusiva» de medio de comunicación

A complaint filed by an individual who requested anonymity has been submitted to the Comptroller’s Office, calling for an investigation into the potential misuse of government vehicles for exclusive media coverage related to a government project at the northern border, particularly in the area where the Kast administration is constructing a trench.

According to the complaint, which El Ciudadano accessed, a delegation led by Presidential Delegate Cristián Sayes Maldonado, along with officials including the Secretary General of Government, Pollyana Rivera, public employees, drivers, journalists, and military personnel was reportedly transported on April 10, 2026.

The document states, «The purpose of this transfer was to facilitate exclusive coverage for journalist Ximena Astudillo from El Mostrador, including her transportation in a government vehicle to the trench area located between Chile and Peru,» adding that this opportunity was «not opened to other media and was conducted exclusively at the request of the aforementioned journalist.»

The complainant believes these actions could violate the principle of administrative integrity as outlined in the Administrative Statute, which «imposes on public officials the duty to uphold an impeccable conduct and a loyal and honest performance of duties, prioritizing public interest over personal gain.»

The principle explicitly prohibits the use of state assets, public resources, institutional personnel, and logistical means for private purposes or to benefit third parties, the complaint further states.

In this context, the complaint emphasizes, «the potential provision of government vehicles, official time, inter-institutional coordination, and deployment of public resources—including participation by personnel from the Chilean Army— to support the professional activities of an individual who does not hold public office, without any functional, legal, or administrative justification, could constitute a misuse of public resources.»

Lastly, the document notes that within the scope of this «exclusive press coverage,» additional opportunities were offered on Tuesday, April 21, «exclusively accessible to various authorities, including Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna, all within a context that does not appear to be related to a duly justified public function.»

In light of these events, the complaint requests the Comptroller’s Office to conduct an investigation or audit to clarify the described incidents; determine any potential administrative responsibilities; and apply the appropriate legal measures.

We will continue to provide updates.