The Chilean Comptroller General’s Office (CGR) has issued detailed instructions for investigating public officials suspected of abusing sick leave, amid a widening scandal involving potential administrative misconduct.
In a directive released Monday, the CGR outlined a seven-point framework intended to guide disciplinary proceedings and ensure accountability across the public sector. The guidance emphasizes that authorities must assess whether to initiate one or multiple investigations, depending on the number of implicated individuals and whether they can be grouped by rank, position, or other relevant criteria.
The CGR’s instructions also clarify the role and appointment of prosecutors in these cases. Appointed prosecutors must be independent from those under investigation and must not hold the same or a higher rank within the institution. They are authorized to use all available evidence and are granted broad investigative powers. Public officials are required to cooperate fully upon request.
To verify alleged unauthorized travel while on medical leave—as outlined in CIC No. 9—the first investigative step involves obtaining official documentation from the Chilean Investigative Police confirming the dates of international travel for those involved.
The CGR reiterated that all investigations must adhere to the principles of due process. In the administrative context, this means ensuring a fair, impartial procedure that guarantees the right of defense for any individual who may be affected by the outcome.
Administrative decisions resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or other disciplinary measures are subject to CGR review. Those sanctioned may also file complaints directly with the oversight agency.
To bolster transparency and oversight, the CGR introduced a new digital platform—the Derivative Actions Inspection System (SIAD)—to enhance the recording, monitoring, and traceability of disciplinary proceedings carried out by municipalities and public services under CGR jurisdiction.
Under this system, each public body must appoint two officials, along with their respective alternates, to serve as points of contact. These officials are tasked with uploading all administrative documents related to ongoing disciplinary actions into the platform in PDF format for review by the CGR’s Prosecutorial Monitoring Unit.
The CGR stated that this integrated approach—linking its own oversight work with internal audit departments and control offices within the affected agencies—aims to strengthen institutional accountability and procedural integrity.
