Pedro Javier Ayala Cámara, widely known as «El Chato,» resigned from his position as municipal president of Palizada in October 2026, leaving the local government engulfed in a severe financial crisis and under intense scrutiny for alleged corruption and resource diversion.
The municipal council removed Ayala Cámara from his post following weeks of significant pressure, stemming from the administration’s inability to cover salaries, benefits, and payments to suppliers. Prior to his ouster, council members from his own party, the PT, denied him approval to modify the budget and blocked his attempt to unionize 60 employees, an action deemed irregular.
Official financial reports indicate that Ayala Cámara left behind a debt exceeding 16.6 million pesos, comprising direct liabilities and commitments arising from legal proceedings. However, public complaints and accusations suggest a potential diversion of funds that could amount to as much as 100 million pesos.
This is not the first instance of Ayala Cámara facing allegations regarding his handling of public funds. In 2018, while serving as mayor under the PAN party, he was arrested and faced legal proceedings for the alleged embezzlement of over 1.3 million pesos from the Municipal Social Infrastructure Fund. He was held under preventive detention and subsequently returned 30 million pesos to municipal coffers after his initial departure from office.
Local organizations and media outlets are calling for a transparent investigation by the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office of Campeche, free from partisan influence. Citizens have also urged Governor Layda Sansores to take action against Ayala Cámara, identified by some as one of her close associates, and to prevent any granting of impunity.
A statement highlighted that public funds belong to the people and that no political party should serve as a shield for individuals accused of corruption, emphasizing Palizada’s right to answers, justice, and accountability. In the interim, the municipality has been placed under interim administration while responsibilities for the financial strain on the «Pueblo Mágico» are determined.
