The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca placed a ‘tatequieto’ on the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) and ordered it to refrain from publishing content on its social networks that could be interpreted as campaigns in favor of the National Government.

The decision came after the entity replicated messages related to health reform, the New EPS and publications by President Gustavo Petro, which, according to a citizen lawsuit, exceeds the technical functions of the organization.

The action was presented by Andrés Caro, director of the Foundation for the Rule of Law, who argued that the SGC was violating the rules that regulate official advertising and diverting its scientific mission.

The case gained strength after September 12, when President Petro spoke about the findings of the Comptroller’s Office in front of the Nueva EPS administration and, minutes later, several entities (including the SGC) replicated the hashtag #SeRobaronLaSalud.

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The Geological Survey defended itself by pointing out that it only shared official information and did not issue political opinions. However, the Court’s ruling was forceful: the publications constitute improper use of public resources, since they involved personnel, graphic design, institutional image and massive dissemination on networks.

The magistrates also recalled that no presidential directive can force a technical entity to rule on issues that are not part of its mission. The Court was clear: institutional coordination does not allow publishing political content.

The controversy grew after the reaction of President Gustavo Petro, who assured that the decision ignores his role as “head of state and supreme administrative authority.”

The ruling may be appealed to the Council of State, while the discussion about the limits of institutional communication continues.

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