Overview
- Cuarto Poder documented more than S/5.7 million paid between January 2024 and July 2025 for roughly 3,759 adviser assignments during lawmakers’ representation weeks.
- Advisers can receive up to S/1,600 each for five days in addition to salaries, while legislators get S/2,800, creating potential monthly outlays of about S/6,000 per office.
- Records show payments even when activities occurred at Congress headquarters, in nearby Lima districts, or virtually, with up to 30% of expenses allowed by sworn declaration.
- Named cases include Lucinda Vásquez, whose nephews received viáticos and airfares despite her denial, and Rosangella Barbarán, who sought per diems for staff during mostly Lima or Zoom activities.
- Congressman Flavio Cruz acknowledged weak controls and called for clearer, uniform regulation and audits, as experts decried duplicated spending and noted a sevenfold rise in the congressional budget over 25 years.