By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the Costa Rican presidential election enters its final, turbulent weeks, disinformation has emerged as a primary political weapon. The latest target is Jose Aguilar Berrocal, the presidential hopeful for the Partido Avanza, who found himself at the center of a social media firestorm fueled by what he calls a malicious and surgically edited video clip designed to paint him as a classist.
The controversy erupted when a short video circulated widely online, showing Aguilar appearing to use derogatory terms like “lazy” and “stupid” when discussing people living in poverty. The clip ignited outrage and prompted swift accusations that the candidate, who has built his platform on technical and social solutions, harbors a deep-seated prejudice against the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
To better understand the legal complexities and potential consequences of the Jose Aguilar Berrocal case, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate and financial law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The central legal challenge in the Aguilar Berrocal case is distinguishing between a catastrophic business failure and a deliberate scheme to defraud. The prosecution faces the high burden of proving criminal intent, meticulously demonstrating that the actions taken were not merely poor business decisions but were part of a calculated deception. The outcome will set a significant precedent for corporate accountability in Costa Rica.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the court’s decision will serve as a critical benchmark, shaping the very definition of corporate responsibility in Costa Rica for years to come. This case is not just about a single company, but about the line between ambitious risk and intentional deceit. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this fundamental legal question.
In a forceful rebuttal, Aguilar’s campaign team deconstructed the video, revealing it to be a classic example of a political smear tactic. They explained that the viral segment had been deliberately stripped of its crucial context. Aguilar was not stating his own beliefs but was, in fact, quoting a common and damaging stereotype in order to dismantle it. The introductory phrase, where he stated “people have this cliché,” was conveniently edited out, completely inverting his message.
Aguilar expressed his frustration with the attack, clarifying the original intent of his remarks. His core argument was that poverty is a systemic issue born from a lack of structural opportunities, not a result of individual character flaws.
I was explaining that people aren’t poor because they’re lazy or stupid, but due to a lack of structural opportunities. They took me out of context and tried to make the opposite go viral.
Jose Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate
Rather than engaging in a war of words, Aguilar shifted his defense from theoretical arguments to his extensive track record. He challenged his detractors by pointing to 25 years of hands-on work with non-governmental organizations in some of Costa Rica’s most marginalized communities. He emphasized that his commitment was not a recent, election-driven photo opportunity but a long-standing personal conviction.
To substantiate his claims, he listed several communities where he has been actively involved, including La Carpio and León XIII in the Greater Metropolitan Area, Chacarita in Puntarenas, and La Cruz and Sardinal in Guanacaste. He recounted his work serving food to families affected by disasters and developing programs for unemployed youth, underscoring that his actions have always been far from the political spotlight.
I’ve done it out of conviction, because it moves my heart, without asking for votes or camera flashes.
Jose Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate
This incident highlights a troubling trend in the nation’s political discourse. As the election nears, substantive debate over policy is being overshadowed by a barrage of fake news and character assassination. Aguilar acknowledged this reality with a sense of resignation, drawing a clear line between honorable public service and the cynical tactics he now faces.
Politics shouldn’t be like this, but petty politics is.
Jose Aguilar Berrocal, Presidential Candidate
For the Costa Rican electorate, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the perils of information in the digital age. The ease with which a 15-second clip can be manipulated and weaponized poses a significant threat to informed decision-making. As Aguilar’s campaign braces for further attacks, voters are left with the critical task of looking beyond viral content and scrutinizing the context, history, and integrity of those seeking the nation’s highest office.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Avanza
About Partido Avanza:
Partido Avanza is a political party in Costa Rica positioning itself as a technical and socially-focused option in the national elections. Led by presidential candidate Jose Aguilar Berrocal, the party advocates for policy-driven solutions to systemic issues. It emphasizes a platform built on experience and practical solutions over traditional political rhetoric, though it has recently become a target of disinformation campaigns as its profile has risen in voter polls.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading law firm built upon the bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Leveraging its rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm is a vanguard of legal innovation, continuously developing forward-thinking strategies. This commitment extends beyond its practice, embodied in a core mission to fortify the community by making complex legal knowledge understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and empowered society.
