{"id":3959,"date":"2026-07-16T06:44:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T11:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/?p=3959"},"modified":"2026-07-16T06:45:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T11:45:56","slug":"ecuador-bilingual-news-brief-thursday-july-16-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/ecuador-bilingual-news-brief-thursday-july-16-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecuador Bilingual News Brief \u2013 Thursday, July 16, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<h1><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2>Introduction \/ Introducci\u00f3n<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>EN:<\/strong> The principal developments involve <strong>Colombia\u2019s removal of a freight restriction affecting Ecuadorian trucks<\/strong>, the evidentiary phase of the political trial against former energy minister <strong>In\u00e9s Manzano<\/strong>, the CNE\u2019s rejection of a proposed recall process against <strong>Daniel Noboa and Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Pinto<\/strong>, a new national security plan maintaining a central military role in prisons through <strong>2027<\/strong>, and a <strong>19.9% annual increase<\/strong> in financial-system lending during June. Other reports cover electoral candidacies, electricity generation, university governance, employment, living costs and local development in Loja and Cuenca.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>ES:<\/strong> Los principales acontecimientos incluyen la <strong>eliminaci\u00f3n por parte de Colombia de una restricci\u00f3n al transporte de carga ecuatoriano<\/strong>, la fase probatoria del juicio pol\u00edtico contra la exministra de Energ\u00eda <strong>In\u00e9s Manzano<\/strong>, el rechazo del CNE a un proceso de revocatoria contra <strong>Daniel Noboa y Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Pinto<\/strong>, un nuevo plan nacional de seguridad que mantiene un papel central de las Fuerzas Armadas en las c\u00e1rceles hasta <strong>2027<\/strong>, y un <strong>incremento interanual del 19,9 %<\/strong> en los cr\u00e9ditos del sistema financiero durante junio. Otros informes abordan candidaturas electorales, generaci\u00f3n el\u00e9ctrica, gobierno universitario, empleo, costo de vida y desarrollo local en Loja y Cuenca.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Contents \/ Contenido<\/h2>\n<div id=\"top\"><\/div>\n\n<h3>\u2696\ufe0f Gobernanza \u2013 Politics, Law, Public Policy<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#N4\">Evidence phase continues in political trial of former energy minister In\u00e9s Manzano<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N6\">CNE rejects request to begin recall process against Noboa and Pinto<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N7\">CPCCS again postpones competition for attorney general<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N8\">Avanza says pending TCE appeal does not yet invalidate Jorge Yunda\u2019s precandidacy<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N9\">Cynthia Viteri becomes ADN\u2019s Guayaquil mayoral precandidate<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N10\">Borb\u00f3n cannot be added to November ballots for mayor and councillors<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N11\">Judicial Council prepares methodology for appointing temporary judges<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83d\udcc9 Econom\u00eda \u2013 Finance, Trade, Employment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#N1\">Colombia removes freight-transfer requirement for Ecuadorian trucks<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N2\">Ecuador collected USD 149 million from tariffs on Colombian imports<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N3\">Production minister rules out government refunds of Colombian-import tariff<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N14\">Financial-system lending increases 19.9% to USD 5.078 billion in June<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N15\">Private banks report USD 544 million in first-half profits<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N17\">SRI changes invoicing responsibilities for regulated transport services<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#L1\">Quito employment fair books 7,400 appointments on first registration day<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#L2\">Cuenca records Ecuador\u2019s most expensive basic family basket at USD 876.71<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#L5\">Loja promotes export corridor through northern Peru and the Port of Paita<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Seguridad \u2013 National Security, Justice, Institutional Policy<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#N12\">National security plan maintains military control of prisons through 2027<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N13\">U.S. Southern Command chief visits Ecuador and reviews northern-border operations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83c\udf3f Ambiente, Energ\u00eda y Tecnolog\u00eda \u2013 Environment, Energy, Science, Digital, and Technology<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#N5\">Arbitration tribunal archives ATM proceeding against Celec<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N16\">Hydroelectric plants supply 74.6% of national electricity demand<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83c\udf93 Educaci\u00f3n \u2013 Schools, Universities, and Research<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#N18\">79,800 applicants authorized for public-institute entrance assessment<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#N19\">CES intervenes Amawtay Wasi University and suspends senior authorities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f Infraestructura y Transporte \u2013 Infrastructure and Transportation<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#L3\">Cuenca mobility program plans construction and electric-bus purchases for 2027<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83c\udfd8\ufe0f Comunidades y Vida Local \u2013 Communities and Local Affairs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#L4\">Ground subsidence threatens approximately 50 homes in western Loja<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>\ud83c\udfa8 Cultura \u2013 Arts, Festivals, and Heritage<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"#C1\">Olmedo Quimbita presents 17 previously unseen works in Lima<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"#C2\">Loja redesigns opening parade for 2026 International Festival of Living Arts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2>\u2696\ufe0f Gobernanza \u2013 Politics, Law, Public Policy<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"N4\">\n<h3>EN: Evidence phase continues in political trial of former energy minister In\u00e9s Manzano<\/h3>\n<p>The National Assembly\u2019s Oversight Commission continued receiving evidence in the political trial against former energy minister <strong>In\u00e9s Manzano<\/strong>. Manzano participated remotely because, according to a filing by her attorneys <strong>Rafael Oyarte<\/strong> and <strong>Ismael Quintana<\/strong>, she was outside Ecuador. The proceeding was initiated by legislators from the <strong>Revoluci\u00f3n Ciudadana<\/strong> bloc, who allege failure to perform official duties in matters connected with the Progen emergency-power contracts. A confrontation among legislators temporarily interrupted the July 15 testimony. Manzano\u2019s defence maintains that relevant contracts were already in place before she became minister in <strong>October 2024<\/strong> and that she did not negotiate or award them. After the evidence period closes, the commission has an additional statutory period to prepare its recommendation to the Assembly.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Contin\u00faa la fase probatoria del juicio pol\u00edtico contra la exministra In\u00e9s Manzano<\/h3>\n<p>La Comisi\u00f3n de Fiscalizaci\u00f3n de la Asamblea Nacional continu\u00f3 recibiendo pruebas en el juicio pol\u00edtico contra la exministra de Energ\u00eda <strong>In\u00e9s Manzano<\/strong>. Manzano particip\u00f3 de manera telem\u00e1tica porque, seg\u00fan un escrito de sus abogados <strong>Rafael Oyarte<\/strong> e <strong>Ismael Quintana<\/strong>, se encontraba fuera del Ecuador. El proceso fue impulsado por legisladores de <strong>Revoluci\u00f3n Ciudadana<\/strong>, quienes alegan incumplimiento de funciones en asuntos relacionados con los contratos de generaci\u00f3n el\u00e9ctrica de emergencia de Progen. Una confrontaci\u00f3n entre asamble\u00edstas interrumpi\u00f3 temporalmente las comparecencias del 15 de julio. La defensa de Manzano sostiene que los contratos relevantes ya exist\u00edan antes de que ella asumiera el ministerio en <strong>octubre de 2024<\/strong> y que no los negoci\u00f3 ni adjudic\u00f3. Despu\u00e9s de que concluya el periodo de pruebas, la comisi\u00f3n tendr\u00e1 el plazo legal correspondiente para preparar su recomendaci\u00f3n a la Asamblea.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/politica\/ines-manzano-juicio-politico-pruebas-asambleistas-abogados-comision-fiscalizacion-128063\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N6\">\n<h3>EN: CNE rejects request to begin recall process against Noboa and Pinto<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>National Electoral Council, CNE<\/strong>, unanimously denied a request for forms to collect signatures for the recall of President <strong>Daniel Noboa<\/strong> and Vice President <strong>Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Pinto<\/strong>. The resolution received the votes of all <strong>five electoral councillors<\/strong>. The petitioners were identified as <strong>Washington Andrade, Leonidas Iza and Jorge C\u00e1ceres<\/strong>. The Presidency had argued that the application failed to meet legal and regulatory admissibility requirements and submitted more than <strong>14,500 pages<\/strong> of documentation in its response. Government Minister <strong>Nataly Morillo<\/strong> and Assembly President <strong>Mishel Mancheno<\/strong> welcomed the decision and argued that democratic procedures should not be used to destabilize the government. The promoters may use the administrative and electoral challenges available under Ecuadorian law.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: CNE rechaza pedido para iniciar revocatoria contra Noboa y Pinto<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Consejo Nacional Electoral, CNE<\/strong>, neg\u00f3 por unanimidad la solicitud de formularios para recolectar firmas destinadas a revocar el mandato del presidente <strong>Daniel Noboa<\/strong> y la vicepresidenta <strong>Mar\u00eda Jos\u00e9 Pinto<\/strong>. La resoluci\u00f3n recibi\u00f3 los votos de los <strong>cinco consejeros electorales<\/strong>. Los peticionarios fueron identificados como <strong>Washington Andrade, Leonidas Iza y Jorge C\u00e1ceres<\/strong>. La Presidencia hab\u00eda argumentado que la solicitud no cumpl\u00eda los requisitos legales y reglamentarios de admisibilidad y present\u00f3 m\u00e1s de <strong>14.500 p\u00e1ginas<\/strong> de documentaci\u00f3n como respuesta. La ministra de Gobierno <strong>Nataly Morillo<\/strong> y la presidenta de la Asamblea <strong>Mishel Mancheno<\/strong> respaldaron la decisi\u00f3n y sostuvieron que los procedimientos democr\u00e1ticos no deben utilizarse para desestabilizar al Gobierno. Los promotores podr\u00e1n utilizar las impugnaciones administrativas y electorales permitidas por la legislaci\u00f3n ecuatoriana.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/politica\/revocatoria-de-mandato-presidencia-de-la-republica-vicepresidencia-de-la-republica-daniel-noboa-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N7\">\n<h3>EN: CPCCS again postpones competition for attorney general<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Council for Citizen Participation and Social Control, CPCCS<\/strong>, again postponed action in the competition to appoint Ecuador\u2019s next attorney general. The same session also addressed questions surrounding the separate competition for the partial renewal of the <strong>National Electoral Council<\/strong>. Councillor <strong>Johnny Escobar<\/strong> formally joined the CPCCS plenary session during the day\u2019s proceedings. The latest postponement extends a selection process already affected by procedural disputes and changes in the council\u2019s composition. The available report did not specify a definitive new date for the postponed stage. The attorney general appointment therefore remains pending.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: CPCCS vuelve a aplazar el concurso para fiscal general<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Consejo de Participaci\u00f3n Ciudadana y Control Social, CPCCS<\/strong>, volvi\u00f3 a aplazar actuaciones dentro del concurso para designar al pr\u00f3ximo fiscal general del Ecuador. En la misma sesi\u00f3n tambi\u00e9n se respondieron inquietudes relacionadas con el concurso separado para la renovaci\u00f3n parcial del <strong>Consejo Nacional Electoral<\/strong>. El consejero <strong>Johnny Escobar<\/strong> se incorpor\u00f3 formalmente al pleno del CPCCS durante la jornada. El nuevo aplazamiento prolonga un proceso de selecci\u00f3n ya afectado por controversias procedimentales y cambios en la composici\u00f3n del Consejo. El informe disponible no precis\u00f3 una nueva fecha definitiva para la etapa suspendida. Por lo tanto, la designaci\u00f3n del fiscal general contin\u00faa pendiente.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecuavisa.com\/politica\/cpccs-aplaza-concurso-elegir-fiscal-general-20260715-0090.html\">Ecuavisa<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N8\">\n<h3>EN: Avanza says pending TCE appeal does not yet invalidate Jorge Yunda\u2019s precandidacy<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Avanza<\/strong> party said the pending electoral proceeding does not currently invalidate former Quito mayor <strong>Jorge Yunda\u2019s<\/strong> precandidacy. An Avanza member alleges she was prevented from participating in the party\u2019s primaries and has asked that the process selecting Yunda be annulled. The <strong>Electoral Contentious Tribunal, TCE<\/strong>, is to resolve an appeal against the earlier rejection of that complaint. Avanza argues that no final ruling has annulled its primaries or Yunda\u2019s designation. Yunda separately obtained a TCE ruling requiring the CNE to restore his electoral domicile to Quito. His eligibility therefore continues for now, but the primary-process appeal remains unresolved.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Avanza afirma que la apelaci\u00f3n pendiente en el TCE a\u00fan no invalida la precandidatura de Jorge Yunda<\/h3>\n<p>El partido <strong>Avanza<\/strong> se\u00f1al\u00f3 que el proceso electoral pendiente no invalida actualmente la precandidatura del exalcalde de Quito <strong>Jorge Yunda<\/strong>. Una militante de Avanza afirma que se le impidi\u00f3 participar en las primarias del partido y ha solicitado que se anule el proceso mediante el cual fue seleccionado Yunda. El <strong>Tribunal Contencioso Electoral, TCE<\/strong>, debe resolver una apelaci\u00f3n contra la inadmisi\u00f3n inicial de ese reclamo. Avanza sostiene que todav\u00eda no existe una sentencia definitiva que anule sus primarias o la designaci\u00f3n de Yunda. Por separado, Yunda obtuvo un fallo del TCE que oblig\u00f3 al CNE a restablecer su domicilio electoral en Quito. Por ahora contin\u00faa habilitado, pero la apelaci\u00f3n sobre las primarias sigue sin resolverse.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/politica\/elecciones\/seccionales-adelantadas-2027\/partido-avanza-jorge-yunda-apelacion-primarias-tce-alcaldia-quito-128067\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N9\">\n<h3>EN: Cynthia Viteri becomes ADN\u2019s Guayaquil mayoral precandidate<\/h3>\n<p>Former Guayaquil mayor <strong>Cynthia Viteri<\/strong> was announced as the mayoral precandidate of the governing <strong>Acci\u00f3n Democr\u00e1tica Nacional, ADN<\/strong> movement. The announcement represents a significant political realignment because Viteri governed Guayaquil under the Social Christian political structure. ADN had previously considered former Assembly president <strong>Niels Olsen<\/strong> for Guayaquil, but he is now expected to seek the mayoralty of <strong>Samborond\u00f3n<\/strong>. Viteri\u2019s designation remains a precandidacy and must pass the remaining party and electoral-registration stages. Other parties have also named or considered candidates for the November sectional elections. The final ballot will depend on registration decisions and any subsequent electoral challenges.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Cynthia Viteri se convierte en precandidata de ADN a la Alcald\u00eda de Guayaquil<\/h3>\n<p>La exalcaldesa de Guayaquil <strong>Cynthia Viteri<\/strong> fue anunciada como precandidata a la Alcald\u00eda por el movimiento oficialista <strong>Acci\u00f3n Democr\u00e1tica Nacional, ADN<\/strong>. El anuncio representa una importante reconfiguraci\u00f3n pol\u00edtica porque Viteri gobern\u00f3 Guayaquil desde la estructura del Partido Social Cristiano. ADN hab\u00eda considerado anteriormente al expresidente de la Asamblea <strong>Niels Olsen<\/strong> para Guayaquil, pero ahora se prev\u00e9 que \u00e9l busque la Alcald\u00eda de <strong>Samborond\u00f3n<\/strong>. La designaci\u00f3n de Viteri sigue siendo una precandidatura y deber\u00e1 superar las etapas restantes del partido y del registro electoral. Otros partidos tambi\u00e9n han designado o considerado aspirantes para las elecciones seccionales de noviembre. La papeleta definitiva depender\u00e1 de las decisiones de inscripci\u00f3n y de posibles impugnaciones posteriores.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/politica\/elecciones\/seccionales-adelantadas-2027\/cynthia-viteri-precandidata-adn-alcaldia-guayaquil-128022\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N10\">\n<h3>EN: Borb\u00f3n cannot be added to November ballots for mayor and councillors<\/h3>\n<p>The newly created canton of <strong>Borb\u00f3n<\/strong>, in Esmeraldas, will not elect its first mayor and councillors in the November sectional elections. Electoral preparations were already too advanced to create and print an additional cantonal ballot within the current calendar. The CNE must also establish the new canton\u2019s constituencies, voter registry arrangements and number of council seats before a local election can be administered. Residents will therefore vote only in the contests for which they are already registered under the existing territorial organization. The available report did not specify the complete interim municipal-governance arrangement. A subsequent election or transitional procedure will be needed to install Borb\u00f3n\u2019s first elected municipal authorities.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Borb\u00f3n no podr\u00e1 incorporarse a las papeletas de noviembre para elegir alcalde y concejales<\/h3>\n<p>El reci\u00e9n creado cant\u00f3n <strong>Borb\u00f3n<\/strong>, en Esmeraldas, no elegir\u00e1 a su primer alcalde y concejales en las elecciones seccionales de noviembre. Los preparativos electorales ya estaban demasiado avanzados para crear e imprimir una papeleta cantonal adicional dentro del calendario vigente. El CNE tambi\u00e9n debe establecer las circunscripciones, el registro electoral y el n\u00famero de concejales del nuevo cant\u00f3n antes de organizar una elecci\u00f3n local. Por lo tanto, los habitantes votar\u00e1n \u00fanicamente en las elecciones para las que ya est\u00e9n registrados bajo la organizaci\u00f3n territorial existente. El informe disponible no especific\u00f3 completamente el sistema provisional de administraci\u00f3n municipal. Ser\u00e1 necesaria una elecci\u00f3n posterior o un procedimiento transitorio para instalar a las primeras autoridades municipales electas de Borb\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/politica\/papeleta-alcalde-concejales-nuevo-canton-borbon-elecciones-seccionales-noviembre-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N11\">\n<h3>EN: Judicial Council prepares methodology for appointing temporary judges<\/h3>\n<p>Legal associations and magistrates are awaiting the Judicial Council\u2019s methodology for selecting temporary judges following the emergency declared in the Judicial Function. The potential applicant pool includes <strong>1,251 court secretaries<\/strong> and <strong>1,833 judicial assistants<\/strong> nationwide. The emergency measure is intended to address judicial vacancies and delays that have affected the processing of cases. The methodology must determine eligibility, evaluation, assignment and oversight standards for temporary appointees. Lawyers and judges have asked for transparent selection rules to protect judicial independence and professional qualifications. Appointments cannot proceed in an orderly manner until the council publishes the complete mechanism and implementation schedule.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Consejo de la Judicatura prepara metodolog\u00eda para designar jueces temporales<\/h3>\n<p>Gremios de abogados y magistrados esperan la metodolog\u00eda del Consejo de la Judicatura para seleccionar jueces temporales despu\u00e9s de la emergencia declarada en la Funci\u00f3n Judicial. El universo potencial de aspirantes incluye <strong>1.251 secretarios judiciales<\/strong> y <strong>1.833 ayudantes judiciales<\/strong> a escala nacional. La medida de emergencia busca atender vacantes y demoras que han afectado la tramitaci\u00f3n de procesos. La metodolog\u00eda deber\u00e1 definir criterios de elegibilidad, evaluaci\u00f3n, asignaci\u00f3n y supervisi\u00f3n para los funcionarios temporales. Abogados y jueces han solicitado reglas transparentes que protejan la independencia judicial y las calificaciones profesionales. Las designaciones no podr\u00e1n desarrollarse ordenadamente hasta que el Consejo publique el mecanismo completo y el calendario de aplicaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/politica\/expectativa-gremios-abogados-magistrados-metodologia-seleccionar-jueces-temporale-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83d\udcc9 Econom\u00eda \u2013 Finance, Trade, Employment<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"N1\">\n<h3>EN: Colombia removes freight-transfer requirement for Ecuadorian trucks<\/h3>\n<p>Colombia removed the measure that required Ecuadorian freight operators to transfer their merchandise to a Colombian-authorized tractor-trailer after crossing the border. The restriction had complicated direct transportation through crossings such as <strong>Rumichaca<\/strong> and increased operating time and costs for Ecuadorian carriers. The decision followed proceedings within the <strong>Andean Community<\/strong>, which found that the requirement conflicted with regional rules governing the movement of goods. Ecuadorian trucks that comply with the applicable transportation requirements may now continue carrying their cargo inside Colombia without mandatory transshipment. The change directly benefits freight companies, exporters and importers using the Ecuador-Colombia land corridor.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Colombia elimina el requisito de transbordo para los camiones ecuatorianos<\/h3>\n<p>Colombia elimin\u00f3 la medida que obligaba a los transportistas ecuatorianos a transferir su mercanc\u00eda a un tractocami\u00f3n autorizado en Colombia despu\u00e9s de cruzar la frontera. La restricci\u00f3n hab\u00eda dificultado el transporte directo por pasos como <strong>Rumichaca<\/strong> y aumentado el tiempo y los costos operativos de los transportistas ecuatorianos. La decisi\u00f3n se produjo despu\u00e9s de actuaciones dentro de la <strong>Comunidad Andina<\/strong>, que determin\u00f3 que el requisito contraven\u00eda las normas regionales sobre circulaci\u00f3n de mercanc\u00edas. Los camiones ecuatorianos que cumplan los requisitos de transporte aplicables podr\u00e1n continuar llevando su carga dentro de Colombia sin un transbordo obligatorio. El cambio beneficia directamente a transportistas, exportadores e importadores que utilizan el corredor terrestre entre Ecuador y Colombia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/economia\/transportistas-carga-ecuador-movilizarse-colombia-levantamiento-prohibicion-can-128064\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N2\">\n<h3>EN: Ecuador collected USD 149 million from tariffs on Colombian imports<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Internal Revenue Service, or SRI<\/strong>, reported that Ecuador collected <strong>USD 149 million<\/strong> through the security tariff applied to Colombian imports between <strong>February and May 2026<\/strong>. The charge began at <strong>30% on February 1<\/strong>, later rose to <strong>50%<\/strong>, and reached <strong>100% in May<\/strong> during the bilateral trade dispute. Ecuador said the measure responded to what the Noboa government described as insufficient Colombian cooperation against narcotrafficking and illegal mining along the border. Revenue reached <strong>USD 76 million in April<\/strong> and <strong>USD 28 million in May<\/strong>. Ecuador withdrew the tariff on <strong>June 1<\/strong>, while legal disputes and refund questions continued within the Andean Community framework. This article was published on <strong>June 22, 2026<\/strong>, not within the July 15\u201316 coverage window.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Ecuador recaud\u00f3 USD 149 millones por los aranceles a las importaciones colombianas<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Servicio de Rentas Internas, SRI<\/strong>, inform\u00f3 que Ecuador recaud\u00f3 <strong>USD 149 millones<\/strong> mediante la tasa de seguridad aplicada a las importaciones colombianas entre <strong>febrero y mayo de 2026<\/strong>. El gravamen comenz\u00f3 en <strong>30 % el 1 de febrero<\/strong>, posteriormente aument\u00f3 al <strong>50 %<\/strong> y lleg\u00f3 al <strong>100 % en mayo<\/strong> durante la disputa comercial bilateral. Ecuador sostuvo que la medida respond\u00eda a lo que el Gobierno de Noboa calific\u00f3 como insuficiente cooperaci\u00f3n colombiana contra el narcotr\u00e1fico y la miner\u00eda ilegal en la frontera. La recaudaci\u00f3n alcanz\u00f3 <strong>USD 76 millones en abril<\/strong> y <strong>USD 28 millones en mayo<\/strong>. Ecuador retir\u00f3 el arancel el <strong>1 de junio<\/strong>, mientras continuaban las disputas legales y las dudas sobre devoluciones dentro del marco de la Comunidad Andina. Este art\u00edculo fue publicado el <strong>22 de junio de 2026<\/strong>, no dentro del periodo del 15 al 16 de julio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/economia\/recaudacion-aranceles-impuesto-tasa-seguridad-importaciones-colombia-sri-126069\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N3\">\n<h3>EN: Production minister rules out government refunds of Colombian-import tariff<\/h3>\n<p>Ecuador\u2019s production minister said the government would not voluntarily refund security tariffs previously paid by importers on Colombian merchandise. The dispute follows the Andean Community\u2019s finding that the reciprocal tariffs constituted an improper charge on bilateral trade. Representatives of the Ecuadorian-Colombian Chamber of Commerce and a former legal director of Customs argued that importers may file administrative refund claims. They also said that, if Customs rejects those requests, businesses could pursue cases before Ecuador\u2019s tax-contentious courts. The amounts collected totalled <strong>USD 149 million<\/strong>, although the government\u2019s position does not necessarily prevent individual legal challenges. The underlying reporting concerns the earlier February-May tariff period and was not a new July 16 development.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Ministro de Producci\u00f3n descarta que el Gobierno devuelva el arancel a importaciones colombianas<\/h3>\n<p>El ministro de Producci\u00f3n de Ecuador dijo que el Gobierno no devolver\u00eda voluntariamente las tasas de seguridad pagadas anteriormente por los importadores de mercanc\u00edas colombianas. La controversia se produjo despu\u00e9s de que la Comunidad Andina determinara que los aranceles rec\u00edprocos constitu\u00edan un gravamen indebido al comercio bilateral. Representantes de la C\u00e1mara de Comercio Ecuatoriano-Colombiana y un exdirector jur\u00eddico de Aduanas sostuvieron que los importadores pueden presentar solicitudes administrativas de devoluci\u00f3n. Tambi\u00e9n se\u00f1alaron que, si Aduanas rechaza esos pedidos, las empresas podr\u00edan iniciar procesos ante tribunales contencioso-tributarios ecuatorianos. Los valores recaudados sumaron <strong>USD 149 millones<\/strong>, aunque la posici\u00f3n gubernamental no impide necesariamente las impugnaciones legales individuales. La informaci\u00f3n corresponde al periodo arancelario anterior, de febrero a mayo, y no fue un acontecimiento nuevo del 16 de julio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/economia\/devolucion-tasa-seguridad-importadores-ministro-produccion-colombia-arancel-importaciones-124369\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N14\">\n<h3>EN: Financial-system lending increases 19.9% to USD 5.078 billion in June<\/h3>\n<p>Ecuador\u2019s financial system issued <strong>USD 5.078 billion<\/strong> in new loans during June 2026, a <strong>19.9% year-over-year increase<\/strong>, according to the Central Bank. Private banks supplied <strong>USD 3.979 billion<\/strong>, while popular and solidarity-economy institutions issued approximately <strong>USD 1.045 billion<\/strong>. Total first-half lending reached <strong>USD 27.166 billion<\/strong>, up <strong>9.8%<\/strong> from the same period in 2025. Productive loans represented <strong>52.1%<\/strong> of first-half financing and consumer loans represented <strong>30.3%<\/strong>. Credit to agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing rose <strong>23.4%<\/strong>, while manufacturing finance grew <strong>9.1%<\/strong>. Fixed-term deposits reached <strong>USD 8.45 billion<\/strong> in June.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Cr\u00e9ditos del sistema financiero aumentan 19,9 % hasta USD 5.078 millones en junio<\/h3>\n<p>El sistema financiero ecuatoriano entreg\u00f3 <strong>USD 5.078 millones<\/strong> en nuevos cr\u00e9ditos durante junio de 2026, un <strong>incremento interanual del 19,9 %<\/strong>, seg\u00fan el Banco Central. Los bancos privados colocaron <strong>USD 3.979 millones<\/strong>, mientras que las instituciones de la econom\u00eda popular y solidaria entregaron aproximadamente <strong>USD 1.045 millones<\/strong>. El cr\u00e9dito acumulado del primer semestre alcanz\u00f3 <strong>USD 27.166 millones<\/strong>, un aumento del <strong>9,8 %<\/strong> frente al mismo periodo de 2025. Los pr\u00e9stamos productivos representaron el <strong>52,1 %<\/strong> del financiamiento semestral y los cr\u00e9ditos de consumo el <strong>30,3 %<\/strong>. El financiamiento para agricultura, ganader\u00eda, silvicultura y pesca creci\u00f3 <strong>23,4 %<\/strong>, mientras que el destinado a la manufactura aument\u00f3 <strong>9,1 %<\/strong>. Los dep\u00f3sitos a plazo alcanzaron <strong>USD 8.450 millones<\/strong> en junio.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/economia\/creditos-del-sistema-financiero-crecieron-cerca-del-20-en-junio-con-5078-millones-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N15\">\n<h3>EN: Private banks report USD 544 million in first-half profits<\/h3>\n<p>Ecuador\u2019s private banks reported combined profits of approximately <strong>USD 544 million<\/strong> during the first half of 2026. The result accompanied increased lending by private institutions, which remained the largest source of financial-system credit. Private banks accounted for <strong>77.9%<\/strong> of financing issued during the semester, according to Central Bank figures cited in related reporting. The available report described the result as a record for the sector. A full institution-by-institution breakdown of earnings, provisions, interest income and service charges was not available in the accessible summary. The figures will remain subject to financial-supervisory reporting and each bank\u2019s published statements.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Bancos privados reportan USD 544 millones en utilidades durante el primer semestre<\/h3>\n<p>Los bancos privados del Ecuador reportaron utilidades conjuntas de aproximadamente <strong>USD 544 millones<\/strong> durante el primer semestre de 2026. El resultado coincidi\u00f3 con un aumento de los cr\u00e9ditos otorgados por las entidades privadas, que continuaron siendo la principal fuente de financiamiento del sistema. Los bancos privados concentraron el <strong>77,9 %<\/strong> del cr\u00e9dito entregado durante el semestre, seg\u00fan cifras del Banco Central citadas en informes relacionados. El reporte disponible calific\u00f3 el resultado como un r\u00e9cord para el sector. El resumen accesible no incluy\u00f3 un desglose completo por instituci\u00f3n de las utilidades, provisiones, ingresos por intereses y cargos por servicios. Las cifras continuar\u00e1n sujetas a los informes de supervisi\u00f3n financiera y a los estados publicados por cada banco.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/economia\/semestre-record-banca-privada-544-millones-utilidades-2026-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N17\">\n<h3>EN: SRI changes invoicing responsibilities for regulated transport services<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Internal Revenue Service, SRI<\/strong>, changed invoicing rules for several categories of regulated passenger and freight transport. The measure covers cargo, school, tourist, mixed, alternative and light-freight services. Under the revised framework, the authorized transport company or operator is responsible for issuing the invoice to the customer rather than each individual driver or vehicle owner working under the operator. The measure is intended to improve tax traceability and align billing with the entity legally authorized to provide the service. Affected cooperatives, companies, vehicle owners and drivers will have to adjust their accounting and internal payment procedures. The available report did not clearly specify every transition deadline or exception contained in the resolution.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: SRI modifica responsabilidades de facturaci\u00f3n para servicios de transporte regulado<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Servicio de Rentas Internas, SRI<\/strong>, modific\u00f3 las reglas de facturaci\u00f3n para varias categor\u00edas de transporte regulado de pasajeros y carga. La medida abarca los servicios de carga, transporte escolar, tur\u00edstico, mixto, alternativo y de carga liviana. Bajo el nuevo esquema, la compa\u00f1\u00eda u operadora de transporte autorizada ser\u00e1 responsable de emitir la factura al cliente, en lugar de cada conductor o propietario de veh\u00edculo que trabaje bajo la operadora. La medida busca mejorar la trazabilidad tributaria y vincular la facturaci\u00f3n con la entidad legalmente autorizada para prestar el servicio. Las cooperativas, empresas, propietarios y conductores afectados deber\u00e1n adaptar su contabilidad y sus procedimientos internos de pago. El informe disponible no precis\u00f3 claramente todos los plazos de transici\u00f3n ni las excepciones incluidas en la resoluci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/economia\/sri-reglas-facturacion-transporte-ecuador-empresas\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"L1\">\n<h3>EN: Quito employment fair books 7,400 appointments on first registration day<\/h3>\n<p>Job seekers reserved <strong>7,400 appointments<\/strong> on the first day of registration for Quito\u2019s employment fair. Municipal organizers announced that additional spaces would be released online on July 16 for people who could not obtain an initial appointment. The appointment system is intended to regulate attendance and prevent overcrowding at the fair. Registered participants will be able to meet participating employers and present their employment information. Applicants must follow the municipal platform\u2019s instructions and appear at the assigned time. The available report did not specify the total number of employers, vacancies or final appointment capacity.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Feria de Empleo de Quito reserva 7.400 turnos en el primer d\u00eda<\/h3>\n<p>Las personas que buscan empleo reservaron <strong>7.400 turnos<\/strong> durante el primer d\u00eda de inscripci\u00f3n para la Feria de Empleo de Quito. Los organizadores municipales anunciaron que el 16 de julio se habilitar\u00edan cupos adicionales en internet para quienes no lograron obtener un turno inicial. El sistema de citas busca ordenar la asistencia y evitar aglomeraciones en la feria. Los participantes registrados podr\u00e1n reunirse con empresas participantes y presentar su informaci\u00f3n laboral. Los postulantes deben seguir las instrucciones de la plataforma municipal y acudir en la hora asignada. El informe disponible no especific\u00f3 el n\u00famero total de empleadores, vacantes o capacidad final de turnos.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/ecuador\/en-primer-dia-se-reservan-7400-turnos-para-feria-de-empleo-de-quito-este-jueves-se-habilitan-nuevos-cupos-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"L2\">\n<h3>EN: Cuenca records Ecuador\u2019s most expensive basic family basket at USD 876.71<\/h3>\n<p>The cost of the Basic Family Basket in <strong>Cuenca<\/strong> reached <strong>USD 876.71 in June 2026<\/strong>, the highest reported among Ecuadorian cities during the first half of the year. The figure comes from the monthly price measurements of the <strong>National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, INEC<\/strong>. The basket estimates the cost of a standardized group of food, housing, clothing, transportation, education and other household needs. The available report did not identify which individual products accounted for most of Cuenca\u2019s higher total. The indicator does not represent the exact spending of every family, but it is used to compare living costs and household purchasing power. Future INEC reports will show whether the difference persists during the second half of 2026.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Cuenca registra la canasta familiar b\u00e1sica m\u00e1s cara del Ecuador, con USD 876,71<\/h3>\n<p>El costo de la Canasta Familiar B\u00e1sica en <strong>Cuenca<\/strong> alcanz\u00f3 <strong>USD 876,71 en junio de 2026<\/strong>, el valor m\u00e1s alto informado entre las ciudades ecuatorianas durante el primer semestre del a\u00f1o. La cifra proviene de las mediciones mensuales de precios del <strong>Instituto Nacional de Estad\u00edstica y Censos, INEC<\/strong>. La canasta estima el costo de un conjunto estandarizado de alimentos, vivienda, vestimenta, transporte, educaci\u00f3n y otras necesidades del hogar. El informe disponible no identific\u00f3 qu\u00e9 productos individuales explicaron la mayor parte del valor m\u00e1s elevado de Cuenca. El indicador no representa el gasto exacto de todas las familias, pero se utiliza para comparar el costo de vida y el poder adquisitivo. Los pr\u00f3ximos informes del INEC mostrar\u00e1n si la diferencia se mantiene durante el segundo semestre de 2026.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/elmercurio.com.ec\/2026\/07\/15\/canasta-basica-cuenca-junio-2026\/\">El Mercurio<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"L5\">\n<h3>EN: Loja promotes export corridor through northern Peru and the Port of Paita<\/h3>\n<p>Loja economic-development officials are promoting a cross-border logistics corridor linking <strong>Loja, Sullana, Piura and the Port of Paita<\/strong>. The proposal is intended to give agricultural and agroecological producers in Loja more direct access to maritime export infrastructure. Officials say the route could support shipments to markets in Europe, Asia and the United States and allow exporters to use logistical or tax advantages available in Peru. The project remains a proposal rather than an operating commercial corridor. Authorities must still define customs procedures, sanitary requirements, cargo volumes, transportation costs and agreements with Peruvian institutions. The available report did not specify an implementation date or total investment.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Loja promueve corredor de exportaci\u00f3n por el norte del Per\u00fa y el puerto de Paita<\/h3>\n<p>Funcionarios de desarrollo econ\u00f3mico de Loja promueven un corredor log\u00edstico transfronterizo que conectar\u00eda <strong>Loja, Sullana, Piura y el puerto de Paita<\/strong>. La propuesta busca dar a los productores agr\u00edcolas y agroecol\u00f3gicos de Loja un acceso m\u00e1s directo a infraestructura mar\u00edtima de exportaci\u00f3n. Las autoridades sostienen que la ruta podr\u00eda facilitar env\u00edos a mercados de Europa, Asia y Estados Unidos y permitir que los exportadores utilicen ventajas log\u00edsticas o tributarias disponibles en Per\u00fa. El proyecto contin\u00faa siendo una propuesta y todav\u00eda no es un corredor comercial operativo. Las autoridades deber\u00e1n definir procedimientos aduaneros, requisitos sanitarios, vol\u00famenes de carga, costos de transporte y acuerdos con instituciones peruanas. El informe disponible no especific\u00f3 una fecha de ejecuci\u00f3n ni la inversi\u00f3n total.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/cronica.com.ec\/2026\/07\/15\/loja-busca-abrir-una-ruta-comercial-hacia-mercados-internacionales\/\">Diario Cr\u00f3nica<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Seguridad \u2013 National Security, Justice, Institutional Policy<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"N12\">\n<h3>EN: National security plan maintains military control of prisons through 2027<\/h3>\n<p>President <strong>Daniel Noboa<\/strong> formalized the <strong>National Comprehensive Security Plan 2025\u20132029<\/strong> as nationwide public policy through <strong>Executive Decree 448<\/strong>, signed on July 14. The plan had been approved earlier in 2026 and replaces the security framework adopted during Len\u00edn Moreno\u2019s government. It establishes seven national security objectives and a unified-action model coordinating state institutions. The Defence Ministry will centralize monitoring, evaluation and technical administration of the policy. The Armed Forces will continue temporarily controlling prisons, with the official objective of returning administration to <strong>SNAI in 2027<\/strong>. The plan also prioritizes operations against organized armed groups under the government\u2019s internal armed-conflict framework.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Plan nacional de seguridad mantiene el control militar de las c\u00e1rceles hasta 2027<\/h3>\n<p>El presidente <strong>Daniel Noboa<\/strong> formaliz\u00f3 el <strong>Plan Nacional de Seguridad Integral 2025\u20132029<\/strong> como pol\u00edtica p\u00fablica nacional mediante el <strong>Decreto Ejecutivo 448<\/strong>, firmado el 14 de julio. El plan hab\u00eda sido aprobado previamente en 2026 y reemplaza el marco de seguridad adoptado durante el Gobierno de Len\u00edn Moreno. Establece siete objetivos nacionales de seguridad y un modelo de acci\u00f3n unificada para coordinar a las instituciones del Estado. El Ministerio de Defensa centralizar\u00e1 el monitoreo, la evaluaci\u00f3n y la administraci\u00f3n t\u00e9cnica de la pol\u00edtica. Las Fuerzas Armadas continuar\u00e1n controlando temporalmente las c\u00e1rceles, con el objetivo oficial de devolver la administraci\u00f3n al <strong>SNAI en 2027<\/strong>. El plan tambi\u00e9n prioriza las operaciones contra grupos armados organizados bajo el marco gubernamental de conflicto armado interno.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/seguridad\/daniel-noboa-nuevo-plan-seguridad-conflicto-armado-interno-militarizacion-127944\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N13\">\n<h3>EN: U.S. Southern Command chief visits Ecuador and reviews northern-border operations<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Francis L. Donovan<\/strong>, commander of the United States Southern Command, completed a two-day visit to Ecuador focused on cooperation against narcotrafficking and organized crime. He met <strong>Henry Delgado Salvador<\/strong>, head of Ecuador\u2019s Armed Forces Joint Command, visited military units and met Ecuadorian troops. Donovan also reviewed operations along the northern border, including action against illegal mining. Southern Command described Ecuador as an essential member of the <strong>Coalition Against Cartels of the Americas<\/strong>. The visit took place as Ecuador began implementing its new national security plan, which identifies international cooperation as one of its components. The two militaries are expected to continue operational coordination, training and information exchange.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Jefe del Comando Sur de Estados Unidos visita Ecuador y revisa operaciones en la frontera norte<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Francis L. Donovan<\/strong>, comandante del Comando Sur de Estados Unidos, realiz\u00f3 una visita de dos d\u00edas a Ecuador centrada en la cooperaci\u00f3n contra el narcotr\u00e1fico y el crimen organizado. Se reuni\u00f3 con <strong>Henry Delgado Salvador<\/strong>, jefe del Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador, visit\u00f3 unidades militares y convers\u00f3 con tropas ecuatorianas. Donovan tambi\u00e9n revis\u00f3 operaciones en la frontera norte, incluidas acciones contra la miner\u00eda ilegal. El Comando Sur calific\u00f3 a Ecuador como integrante esencial de la <strong>Coalici\u00f3n contra los C\u00e1rteles de las Am\u00e9ricas<\/strong>. La visita se realiz\u00f3 mientras Ecuador comenzaba a aplicar su nuevo plan nacional de seguridad, que incluye la cooperaci\u00f3n internacional entre sus componentes. Se espera que ambas fuerzas mantengan la coordinaci\u00f3n operativa, la capacitaci\u00f3n y el intercambio de informaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/seguridad\/comando-sur-estados-unidos-ecuador-cooperacion-militar-carteles-americas-127997\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83c\udf3f Ambiente, Energ\u00eda y Tecnolog\u00eda \u2013 Environment, Energy, Science, Digital, and Technology<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"N5\">\n<h3>EN: Arbitration tribunal archives ATM proceeding against Celec<\/h3>\n<p>An arbitration tribunal at the Quito Chamber of Commerce archived a proceeding brought by <strong>Austral Technical Management, ATM<\/strong>, against state electricity company <strong>Celec<\/strong>. ATM had sought to prevent Celec from terminating its contract and collecting guarantees worth close to <strong>USD 23 million<\/strong>. The dispute arose from the company\u2019s emergency electricity-generation contract and its unfinished obligations. Attorneys representing In\u00e9s Manzano cited the tribunal\u2019s decision during her political-trial defence, saying ATM had lost the arbitration proceeding. The ruling allows Celec to continue its contractual and guarantee-collection actions unless another valid legal remedy suspends them. The complete reasoning of the tribunal was not reproduced in the available reports.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Tribunal arbitral archiva el proceso de ATM contra Celec<\/h3>\n<p>Un tribunal arbitral de la C\u00e1mara de Comercio de Quito archiv\u00f3 un proceso presentado por <strong>Austral Technical Management, ATM<\/strong>, contra la empresa el\u00e9ctrica estatal <strong>Celec<\/strong>. ATM buscaba impedir que Celec terminara su contrato y ejecutara garant\u00edas por cerca de <strong>USD 23 millones<\/strong>. La controversia surgi\u00f3 del contrato de generaci\u00f3n el\u00e9ctrica de emergencia de la empresa y de obligaciones que quedaron inconclusas. Los abogados de In\u00e9s Manzano citaron la decisi\u00f3n del tribunal durante su defensa en el juicio pol\u00edtico y afirmaron que ATM hab\u00eda perdido el proceso arbitral. La resoluci\u00f3n permite que Celec contin\u00fae sus actuaciones contractuales y el cobro de garant\u00edas, salvo que otro recurso legal v\u00e1lido las suspenda. Los informes disponibles no reprodujeron la motivaci\u00f3n completa del tribunal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecuavisa.com\/ecuador\/tribunal-archiva-demanda-atm-celec-20260715-0085.html\">Ecuavisa<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Additional source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.primicias.ec\/economia\/tribunal-arbitral-camara-comercio-quito-resolucion-demanta-atm-contrato-128072\/\">Primicias<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N16\">\n<h3>EN: Hydroelectric plants supply 74.6% of national electricity demand<\/h3>\n<p>Hydroelectric facilities supplied <strong>74.6%<\/strong> of Ecuador\u2019s electricity demand, according to data from national system operator <strong>Cenace<\/strong>. <strong>Coca Codo Sinclair<\/strong> was identified as the country\u2019s principal source of hydroelectric generation during the reported period. Thermal plants and other sources supplied the balance of national demand. The hydroelectric share shows that electricity availability continues to depend heavily on river flows, reservoir conditions and plant reliability. The available summary did not provide the individual output of every generating facility. Cenace will continue adjusting dispatch according to demand and the operational condition of the national system.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Centrales hidroel\u00e9ctricas cubren el 74,6 % de la demanda el\u00e9ctrica nacional<\/h3>\n<p>Las centrales hidroel\u00e9ctricas cubrieron el <strong>74,6 %<\/strong> de la demanda de electricidad del Ecuador, seg\u00fan datos del operador nacional <strong>Cenace<\/strong>. <strong>Coca Codo Sinclair<\/strong> fue identificada como la principal fuente de generaci\u00f3n hidroel\u00e9ctrica durante el periodo informado. Las plantas t\u00e9rmicas y otras fuentes suministraron el resto de la demanda nacional. La participaci\u00f3n hidroel\u00e9ctrica muestra que la disponibilidad de electricidad contin\u00faa dependiendo en gran medida de los caudales, las condiciones de los embalses y la confiabilidad de las centrales. El resumen disponible no proporcion\u00f3 la producci\u00f3n individual de todas las instalaciones generadoras. Cenace continuar\u00e1 ajustando el despacho de acuerdo con la demanda y las condiciones operativas del sistema nacional.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/economia\/generacion-hidroelectrica-cubre-el-746-de-la-demanda-electrica-nacional-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83c\udf93 Educaci\u00f3n \u2013 Schools, Universities, and Research<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"N18\">\n<h3>EN: 79,800 applicants authorized for public-institute entrance assessment<\/h3>\n<p>Education authorities authorized <strong>79,800 applicants<\/strong> to take the entrance assessment for Ecuador\u2019s public technical and technological institutes and higher conservatories. Each applicant must download the official document identifying the assigned examination date, time and location. The assessment forms part of the admission process and does not by itself guarantee placement in a program. Applicants must verify their personal information and comply with the identification and attendance requirements established for the examination. Authorities advised candidates to review their assignments in advance rather than waiting until the examination day. Later stages will depend on scores, available places and the admissions schedule.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: 79.800 aspirantes habilitados para evaluaci\u00f3n de ingreso a institutos p\u00fablicos<\/h3>\n<p>Las autoridades educativas habilitaron a <strong>79.800 aspirantes<\/strong> para rendir la evaluaci\u00f3n de ingreso a los institutos t\u00e9cnicos y tecnol\u00f3gicos p\u00fablicos y conservatorios superiores del Ecuador. Cada aspirante debe descargar el documento oficial que indica la fecha, hora y lugar asignados para el examen. La evaluaci\u00f3n forma parte del proceso de admisi\u00f3n y no garantiza por s\u00ed sola la asignaci\u00f3n de un cupo. Los postulantes deben verificar sus datos personales y cumplir los requisitos de identificaci\u00f3n y asistencia establecidos. Las autoridades recomendaron revisar la asignaci\u00f3n con anticipaci\u00f3n y no esperar hasta el d\u00eda de la prueba. Las etapas posteriores depender\u00e1n de los puntajes, los cupos disponibles y el calendario de admisi\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/ecuador\/79800-aspirantes-habilitados-en-examen-de-ingreso-a-institutos-y-conservatorios-superiores-publicos-fechas-y-pasos-a-seguir-para-rendir-la-evaluacion-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"N19\">\n<h3>EN: CES intervenes Amawtay Wasi University and suspends senior authorities<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Council of Higher Education, CES<\/strong>, ordered the intervention of the <strong>Amawtay Wasi Intercultural University of Indigenous Nationalities and Peoples<\/strong>. The resolution also suspended the university\u2019s highest authorities while the intervention is in effect. A CES-appointed team will assume specified administrative and academic oversight responsibilities. The available report did not provide the complete findings, duration or corrective timetable supporting the decision. Students, lecturers and administrative employees will continue to depend on CES instructions concerning institutional operations. The university\u2019s authorities and Indigenous organizations may respond through the applicable administrative and legal procedures.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: CES interviene la Universidad Amawtay Wasi y suspende a sus m\u00e1ximas autoridades<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Consejo de Educaci\u00f3n Superior, CES<\/strong>, orden\u00f3 la intervenci\u00f3n de la <strong>Universidad Intercultural de las Nacionalidades y Pueblos Ind\u00edgenas Amawtay Wasi<\/strong>. La resoluci\u00f3n tambi\u00e9n suspendi\u00f3 a las m\u00e1ximas autoridades universitarias mientras se mantenga la intervenci\u00f3n. Un equipo designado por el CES asumir\u00e1 determinadas responsabilidades de supervisi\u00f3n administrativa y acad\u00e9mica. El informe disponible no proporcion\u00f3 todos los hallazgos, la duraci\u00f3n ni el calendario de correcciones que sustentan la decisi\u00f3n. Los estudiantes, docentes y trabajadores administrativos depender\u00e1n de las instrucciones del CES sobre el funcionamiento de la instituci\u00f3n. Las autoridades universitarias y las organizaciones ind\u00edgenas podr\u00e1n responder mediante los procedimientos administrativos y legales correspondientes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eluniverso.com\/noticias\/ecuador\/ces-inicia-la-intervencion-de-la-universidad-amawtay-wasi-y-suspende-a-sus-autoridades-nota\/\">El Universo<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83c\udfd7\ufe0f Infraestructura y Transporte \u2013 Infrastructure and Transportation<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"L3\">\n<h3>EN: Cuenca mobility program plans construction and electric-bus purchases for 2027<\/h3>\n<p>Cuenca\u2019s <strong>Sustainable Urban Mobility Program: Low-Emission Historic Center<\/strong> is expected to begin construction and electric-bus procurement during the first half of <strong>2027<\/strong>. <strong>Dami\u00e1n Ochoa<\/strong>, deputy general manager of Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador, said technical studies, public consultation and contracting must first be completed. The project is intended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve public transportation in the historic center. The available report did not specify the final number of buses, the complete construction scope or total project value. Procurement will depend on the completion and approval of the technical and financial documents. Residents and transport operators are expected to participate in consultation before implementation.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Programa de movilidad de Cuenca prev\u00e9 obras y compra de buses el\u00e9ctricos para 2027<\/h3>\n<p>El <strong>Programa de Movilidad Urbana Sostenible: Centro Hist\u00f3rico Bajo en Emisiones<\/strong> de Cuenca prev\u00e9 iniciar obras y la adquisici\u00f3n de buses el\u00e9ctricos durante el primer semestre de <strong>2027<\/strong>. <strong>Dami\u00e1n Ochoa<\/strong>, subgerente general del Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador, indic\u00f3 que primero deben completarse los estudios t\u00e9cnicos, la consulta p\u00fablica y la contrataci\u00f3n. El proyecto busca reducir las emisiones vehiculares y mejorar el transporte p\u00fablico en el centro hist\u00f3rico. El informe disponible no especific\u00f3 el n\u00famero final de buses, el alcance completo de las obras ni el valor total del proyecto. La contrataci\u00f3n depender\u00e1 de que se completen y aprueben los documentos t\u00e9cnicos y financieros. Se espera que residentes y operadores de transporte participen en la consulta antes de la implementaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/elmercurio.com.ec\/2026\/07\/15\/proyecto-movilidad-sostenible-cuenca-obras-2027\/\">El Mercurio<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83c\udfd8\ufe0f Comunidades y Vida Local \u2013 Communities and Local Affairs<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"L4\">\n<h3>EN: Ground subsidence threatens approximately 50 homes in western Loja<\/h3>\n<p>Subsidence, widening cracks and structural damage are affecting neighborhoods in western <strong>Loja<\/strong>, including <strong>El Plateado, Alumbre, San Francisco de Borja and Bel\u00e9n<\/strong>. Reporting indicates that approximately <strong>50 homes<\/strong> are affected in El Plateado and that dozens of families across the four neighborhoods face continuing damage. Residents and education representatives have requested an urgent technical intervention from the Municipality of Loja. The definitive geological cause had not been established in the available report. A technical investigation would need to evaluate soil movement, drainage, construction conditions and any underlying geological instability. Families are seeking risk classifications, protective work and clear decisions concerning homes that may no longer be safe.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Hundimientos amenazan aproximadamente 50 viviendas en el occidente de Loja<\/h3>\n<p>Hundimientos, grietas crecientes y da\u00f1os estructurales afectan a barrios del occidente de <strong>Loja<\/strong>, entre ellos <strong>El Plateado, Alumbre, San Francisco de Borja y Bel\u00e9n<\/strong>. Los informes se\u00f1alan que aproximadamente <strong>50 viviendas<\/strong> est\u00e1n afectadas en El Plateado y que decenas de familias de los cuatro barrios enfrentan da\u00f1os continuos. Moradores y representantes educativos han solicitado una intervenci\u00f3n t\u00e9cnica urgente del Municipio de Loja. La causa geol\u00f3gica definitiva todav\u00eda no hab\u00eda sido establecida en el informe disponible. Una investigaci\u00f3n t\u00e9cnica deber\u00e1 evaluar el movimiento del suelo, el drenaje, las condiciones de construcci\u00f3n y cualquier inestabilidad geol\u00f3gica subyacente. Las familias solicitan clasificaciones de riesgo, obras de protecci\u00f3n y decisiones claras sobre las viviendas que podr\u00edan haber dejado de ser seguras.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/cronica.com.ec\/2026\/07\/15\/el-avance-de-los-hundimientos-alarma-a-familias-de-cuatro-barrios-del-occidente-de-loja\/\">Diario Cr\u00f3nica<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<h2>\ud83c\udfa8 Cultura \u2013 Arts, Festivals, and Heritage<\/h2>\n\n<article id=\"C1\">\n<h3>EN: Olmedo Quimbita presents 17 previously unseen works in Lima<\/h3>\n<p>Ecuadorian painter <strong>Olmedo Quimbita<\/strong> will present the exhibition <em>Tiempo sin Tiempo<\/em> at the <strong>Ricardo Palma Cultural Center<\/strong> in Lima. The exhibition includes <strong>17 previously unseen works<\/strong> and will be open to the public free of charge. The pieces explore light, Andean identity and the human figure, recurring elements in Quimbita\u2019s work. The exhibition provides an international platform for an Ecuadorian artist in Peru\u2019s capital. The accessible report did not clearly specify the complete exhibition schedule or closing date. Visitors should confirm the dates and visiting hours with the cultural center.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Olmedo Quimbita presenta 17 obras in\u00e9ditas en Lima<\/h3>\n<p>El pintor ecuatoriano <strong>Olmedo Quimbita<\/strong> presentar\u00e1 la exposici\u00f3n <em>Tiempo sin Tiempo<\/em> en el <strong>Centro Cultural Ricardo Palma<\/strong> de Lima. La muestra incluye <strong>17 obras in\u00e9ditas<\/strong> y tendr\u00e1 entrada gratuita para el p\u00fablico. Las piezas exploran la luz, la identidad andina y la figura humana, elementos recurrentes en la obra de Quimbita. La exposici\u00f3n ofrece una plataforma internacional para un artista ecuatoriano en la capital peruana. El informe accesible no precis\u00f3 claramente el calendario completo ni la fecha de cierre de la muestra. Los visitantes deber\u00e1n confirmar las fechas y horarios con el centro cultural.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecuavisa.com\/ecuador\/olmedo-quimbita-exposicion-tiempo-sin-tiempo-peru-17-obras-ineditas-20260715-0080.html\">Ecuavisa<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n\n<article id=\"C2\">\n<h3>EN: Loja redesigns opening parade for 2026 International Festival of Living Arts<\/h3>\n<p>Loja is preparing the <strong>11th International Festival of Living Arts<\/strong>, scheduled for <strong>November 12\u201322, 2026<\/strong>. Coordinator <strong>Josselyn Llacxaguanga Torres<\/strong> said the opening event, <em>Pinceladas en Movimiento<\/em>, will include a redesigned parade route and a greater emphasis on Loja\u2019s cultural identity. Participating groups will be required to attend training and coordination sessions before the opening. Organizers intend to improve the artistic coherence, safety and presentation of the parade. The festival\u2019s full national and international program was not included in the available report. Additional schedules, venues and participating companies are expected to be announced as preparations advance.<\/p>\n<h3>ES: Loja redise\u00f1a el desfile inaugural del Festival Internacional de Artes Vivas 2026<\/h3>\n<p>Loja prepara la <strong>und\u00e9cima edici\u00f3n del Festival Internacional de Artes Vivas<\/strong>, programado del <strong>12 al 22 de noviembre de 2026<\/strong>. La coordinadora <strong>Josselyn Llacxaguanga Torres<\/strong> indic\u00f3 que el acto inaugural, <em>Pinceladas en Movimiento<\/em>, tendr\u00e1 un recorrido renovado y un mayor \u00e9nfasis en la identidad cultural de Loja. Los grupos participantes deber\u00e1n asistir a jornadas de capacitaci\u00f3n y coordinaci\u00f3n antes de la inauguraci\u00f3n. Los organizadores buscan mejorar la coherencia art\u00edstica, la seguridad y la presentaci\u00f3n del desfile. El programa nacional e internacional completo del festival no fue incluido en el informe disponible. Se espera que se anuncien m\u00e1s adelante los horarios, escenarios y compa\u00f1\u00edas participantes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/cronica.com.ec\/2026\/07\/15\/pinceladas-en-movimiento-marcara-el-inicio-del-festival-de-artes-vivas-2026\/\">Diario Cr\u00f3nica<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top \/ Volver arriba<\/a><\/p>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction \/ Introducci\u00f3n EN: The principal developments involve Colombia\u2019s removal of a freight restriction affecting Ecuadorian trucks, the evidentiary phase [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[375],"tags":[351,379],"class_list":["post-3959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ecuador_news","tag-ecuador-images","tag-ecuador-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3959"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3959\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3961,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3959\/revisions\/3961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/glennspecht.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}