Overview
- César Astudillo was recorded during a transition to a closed session on Monday saying a crude complaint about the volume of documents while his microphone remained on.
- In his formal presentation to the Comisión de Defensa Nacional y Orden Interno he said homicides had not 'sobrepasado' the country and attributed part of the public’s fear to a 'percepción mediática'.
- On Tuesday Astudillo told reporters 'me he expresado mal' and said the government is committed to lowering citizens’ fear and improving security measures.
- The open‑mic audio spread on social media and prompted criticism about the minister’s preparation and tone, while coverage notes no formal sanctions or disciplinary measures so far.
- The episode highlights how congressional oversight and media coverage shape public trust in security policy and raises focus on operational issues discussed in the hearing, including missing police vests and pending PNP personnel transitions.