A disciplinary complaint against Bogota city councilor María del Mar Pizarro Rodríguez was filed with the Attorney General’s Office for an alleged conflict of interest in the discussion of the “night law” regulating nighttime activities in the city.
Citizen Defense Network alleges that the congressman would have participated in a scenario of legislative deliberations regarding bars and nightclubs, even though he appeared to be the largest shareholder in the Town of Chapinero’s Before Club, according to the complaint.
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“Given the member’s financial ties to the regulatory sector, his active participation in preparatory deliberations, and the direct impact that the regulations under discussion may have on his facility, we can conclude that the three factors that determine a legislative conflict of interest are fully present: private interest, present interest, and direct influence,” the document filed with the attorney general’s office states.
The text of the complaint cites Articles 182 and 209 of the Political Constitution, as well as Article 56 of the 2019 Act 1952, which classifies the failure to declare a person as disabled despite being obliged to do so due to a potential conflict of interest as a very serious crime.
The so-called “Night Law” has not yet been formally introduced to Congress. However, a technical table is being held aimed at defining standards for the operation, security and formalization of the night entertainment sector. The sector has been aiming for economic recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Before Club was put on the public agenda by the case of student Jaime Esteban Moreno Jaramillo, who was attacked and killed by a group of disguised people after leaving a nightclub on October 31st. The incident led to an arrest and criminal investigation, and district authorities ordered the club to temporarily close for three days after a health and business inspection.
The complaint asks the Attorney General’s Office to investigate whether the agency breached its duty under Act 1952 of 2019 to declare that the agency cannot intervene in the creation of regulations. The complainant believes there are “reasonable doubts about the transparency” of the congresswoman and points to contradictory views about the Before Club’s ownership and management.and also for participation in technical discussions.
According to the document, the representative publicly acknowledged ownership of 100% of the club on November 5, but is no longer managing the club. Later, in a communication published on social networks, the club claimed to be run by a legal entity of which it is the sole shareholder, and that the company is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to the complaint, this fact is not divorced from the potential conflict of interest because the department maintains control and potential direct benefit from approving or changing regulations.
To support our facts, Citizen Defense Network requested the following information:
- Certification from the House of Commons explaining the declaration of disability or lack thereof.
- Copies of technical sheets, hearings, meeting minutes, videos, and recordings related to legal initiatives.
- Certification regarding the ownership and representation of companies related to the Before Club or the Night Department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bogota.
- Documents from the Secretary of Government and Mayor Chapinero’s office related to licenses, inspections, or sanctions for facilities associated with Maria del Mar Pizarro or its companies.
It also requires the imposition of sanctions of dismissal and general disqualification, as provided for in the Act 1952 of 2019, if disciplinary violations are proven.
María del Mar Pizarro has publicly stated that she has no conflict of interest, arguing that the law has not yet been introduced and that her commercial company does not have any contracts with the state or act as the owner of the facility, which precludes compatibility with her parliamentary duties. He said he was only participating in technical meetings, where the legislative process for the project known as “Laws of the Night” had not officially begun, and reiterated his intention not to sign or vote on proposals if they could directly benefit him.
The Attorney General’s Office is currently considering accepting the complaint and will initiate related proceedings in accordance with internal priorities and documents submitted by the parties. The progress of the investigation will depend on the procedures carried out by the disciplinary control authority.
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