The questions about the last temporary record of non-existence of claim for charges —known as settlement—of Walter Mazariegosre-elected as rector of the University of San Carlos (Usac), continue and it was confirmed that he is not the only one pointed out by the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC).
Two delegates of the institution confirmed that, together with him, Another 24 representatives of the Higher University Council (CSU) appear in a series of complaints presented by the supervisory entity at the end of March. This during a meeting with deputies of the bloc Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (VOS).
Nery de León Góngoradirector of the Audit Department for Attention to Complaints of the CGC confirmed that There are 24 people reported in addition to Mazariegos.
Officials indicated that the findings are related to issues of contracts and acts linked to the administration of resources, although they avoided going deeper because the three complaints were declared confidential by the Public Ministry (MP).
As mentioned by the deputies, the findings were previously notified and a deadline was granted – which could have been between January and February – to dispel them. However, when they did not do so, three complaints were filed to file charges.
In this context, deputy Orlando Blanco pointed out that, under the condition of “denounced”, Mazariegos could no longer request a new settlement. “If based on these complaints he requested a certification, it can no longer be extended until the charges formulated by the Comptroller General of Accounts are clarified,” he stated.
Mazariegos could not apply for the position
Blanco added that, according to the information provided by the CGC, the current status in the records is precisely that of “reported,” which blocks the issuance of the document. “When a person has complaints, they would not be given a settlement and, therefore, they would not be able to apply or run for office,” he questioned.
In the same line, the legal advisor of the CGC, Ricardo Villatoroexplained that the Probity Law is clear regarding this requirement.
“No person could opt for the position. The law is clear in that sense, as mentioned precisely in article 16 of the Law on Probity and Responsibilities of Public Officials and Employees. Opting and taking office are two different stages, and in neither case could they opt,” said Villatoro.
It was also confirmed that Mazariegos does not have a recent settlement, since the last certificate was issued on September 19, 2025.
The deputies also questioned that institutions such as the Attorney General’s Office (PGN)the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office and the Comptroller’s Office itself have not requested important documentation, such as the minutes themselves, of the electoral process in which Mazariegos was re-elected on last April 8 in Antigua Guatemala.
At the discretion of the congressmen, if compliance with requirements such as settlement was not verified, there could be legal responsibilities. They even pointed out that the presentation of complaints against those who directed the electoral event should be evaluated.
In addition, they criticized the role of the PGN. “It is late in these processes,” Blanco said, confirming that the institution has not received instructions from President Bernardo Arévalo to take action in the case.
Along these lines, deputy Jairo Flores questioned: “We do not see that the Government of Guatemala has the intention of defending the university. Has it received direct superior instructions to defend with all legal authorities what is happening at the University of San Carlos?”
Lourdes Samayoa, head of Criminal Law at the PGN, responded: “I don’t directly,” and ruled out that there is any request in that regard.
Arévalo is pronounced
For his part, President Bernardo Arévalo spoke on the issue and reiterated that it is up to the justice system to resolve challenges. “It is very important that the renewal of the justice system responds to the resources and protections that have been presented regarding the elections at the University of San Carlos,” he indicated, while calling on the Cortes to act “with judgment and speed.”
Likewise, he ruled out any agreement with Mazariegos: “It is absolutely false. There has not been nor will there be any agreement above the table or below the table with Walter Mazariegos.”
The president stressed that, as president, he has limits on his actions, but urged the judicial authorities to investigate the complaints: “To examine and investigate the series of complaints that have existed throughout the entire process (…) so that the situation can be effectively determined.”
Special audit begins
The Comptroller’s Office confirmed that, given the existence of three complaints filed with the MP, the Expenditure Quality Subcontroller will name one audit commission to carry out a special examination.
This process aims to verify compliance with the legal requirements established in the Probity Law and other related regulations.
“It is not that the Comptroller’s Office seeks to establish illegality, but rather to establish whether it meets the requirements for its application; that will be determined by the commission that is appointed for the audit and, in terms of probity, if it does not comply, a complaint is filed,” the institution indicated last Friday, April 10.
The entity also reiterated that The settlement does not have a defined validity periodbut its validity depends on the fact that new positions against the official.