The Chamber of Deputies of Mexico unanimously approved a series of reforms to strengthen the powers of the Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF). Among the key changes, the ASF will be able to investigate alleged serious administrative offenses on its own initiative or based on complaints, in accordance with the General Law of Administrative Responsibilities, without depending on the fiscal review in progress. Additionally, any person will be able to file complaints through the channels made available by the Audit. The reform also creates a National System for the Registration of Information and Data Related to Federal Resources, which will be coordinated and managed by the ASF. The deputy from Citizen Movement, Irais Virginia Reyes De la Torre, stated that the changes strengthen the ASF's powers and reduce spaces for impunity: “Corruption is combated with institutions that function”. Meanwhile, forensic auditor and anti-corruption specialist Muna Dora Buchahin accused the existence of a “fiscalization cartel” within the Audit, describing family and political ties between officials. She referred to the alleged “sale of services” within the audit system, reflected in audit results with few or even “zero observations” despite problems detected in various agencies, entities, or municipalities. The reforms also establish that public entities must report detailed information on the use of federal resources in the formats determined by the ASF, and the ASF will have to notify all actions personally or electronically and issue resolutions on the responses of the audited entities within a 120-day period.
