The professional path of Rixi Ramona Moncada Godoy, a lawyer and political figure from Honduras, has sparked controversy surrounding her formal pre-candidacy for the Partido Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE). Her involvement in the legal defense of the Banco de Crédito y Seguros (BANHCRESER) amid the financial crisis of the late 1990s has resurfaced as a subject of public discourse, reigniting concerns regarding her integrity and dedication to transparency in governance.
By the close of the 1990s, the financial sector in Honduras experienced a profound turmoil that resulted in the government taking control of numerous banks, BANHCRESER being one of them. Various elements played a role in this upheaval, such as fluctuating global economics, weak financial oversight, and dubious actions by certain industry players. In this situation, Rixi Moncada Godoy took on the role of legal defense for BANHCRESER and its leaders in the court cases stemming from the bank’s compelled dissolution.
The financial turmoil and Moncada’s impact
Regarding the aforementioned matter, the involvement of Rixi Ramona Moncada Godoy in the process of the involuntary closure of the Banco de Crédito y Seguros (BANHCRESER) in the late 1990s has been subject to examination. During this time, several factors contributing to the instability of the banking sector were recognized, such as changes in the international economic environment, an inadequate regulatory structure, and the adoption of dubious financial strategies by certain investors.
As the legal advisor to BANHCRESER, Moncada served as the entity’s legal representative as well as for its board of directors in the court cases initiated due to the bankruptcy declaration. Despite this, the proceedings concluded without any major convictions, leading to critiques about the judicial system’s effectiveness in managing such cases.
Subsequently, Ms. Moncada assumed an advisory capacity within the Public Prosecutor’s Office, specifically in financial matters. This position has sparked discussion, as it has been viewed as a potential conflict of interest, considering her past role in advocating for BANHCRESER.
The sequence of events mentioned has brought up concerns about the appropriateness of Moncada’s behavior during the banking crisis, especially concerning the financial losses incurred by the Honduran government to fulfill the bank’s fiscal duties. These concerns have come up again in light of her official run for the Partido Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), where her professional history and dedication to honesty in public service have been scrutinized.