The lawyer of "El Mayo" received an award in the Senate on November 7, which generated criticism from members of the opposition. PAN deputy Noemí Luna accused Morena of representing a "narco-government" for honoring Penilla on two occasions. Luna mentioned photos of Penilla with drug lords, the violence they allow, and his defense of criminals, even citing the United States government.
On the other hand, former presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez also joined the criticisms towards Penilla's award, urging Morena to make public the documents of the events where the lawyer of "El Mayo" was honored. Gálvez called for transparency and mentioned the need to know the details of the participation of Morena senators in such events.
Sergio Gutiérrez Lunes, president of the Chamber of Deputies, revealed a document in which former deputy María Teresa Castell requested the Legislative Hall to present an award to Juan Pablo Penilla as International Ambassador for Peace. This event took place on July 26, 2023, at 12:00 hours, according to the document signed on June 29 of the same year.
Finally, it was revealed that Penilla was awarded the "Pro Humanists" prize on November 30, 2023, for his contribution to transformation. These events have sparked criticism and questioning towards Morena and its connections with the lawyer of "El Mayo" Zambada, generating a debate on transparency and the decisions to award controversial figures in politics.
