By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – An air of apprehension is growing within the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) as they prepare for a legislative summons to account for a costly international trip taken by Executive President Mónica Taylor. Board members are now openly concerned about the potential for internal contradictions under legislative scrutiny, signaling deep-seated unease over the affair.
The issue was brought to the forefront during the board’s session this past Thursday by Roger Rivera, the official representative for the workers. Rivera voiced significant concern about the board’s upcoming testimony before a legislative commission investigating alleged irregularities at the public health institution. He stressed the urgent need for the board to present a unified and coherent narrative when questioned about Taylor’s $13,000 trip to Malaysia.
To delve into the administrative and legal ramifications surrounding the leadership of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The stability of CCSS leadership is paramount, as it is directly tied to the legal principle of continuity of public service. Any abrupt or politically motivated changes at the executive level can create a legal vacuum, potentially jeopardizing contractual obligations, ongoing procurement processes, and ultimately, the fiduciary duty the institution owes to every insured citizen. It is crucial that any transition adheres strictly to the administrative procedures established by law to ensure institutional integrity and avoid future administrative litigation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically reframes the debate, reminding us that leadership stability at the CCSS is not a matter of political maneuvering, but a cornerstone of institutional integrity and its fiduciary duty to every citizen. The potential disruption to essential services and contracts, as highlighted, underscores the gravity of adhering to proper administrative procedure. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying insight.
The idea is for all of us to be prepared and to all know how to speak the same language, so we don’t end up contradicting ourselves there and then have more problems than this situation could already cause.
Roger Rivera, Workers’ Representative, CCSS Board of Directors
In an effort to ensure legal and factual alignment, Rivera formally proposed a motion to have Gilberth Alfaro, the CCSS Legal Director, accompany the board members to the hearing. The motion aimed to fortify their position and prevent missteps. However, in a peculiar turn, the board requested a recess to discuss the non-confidential matter off-camera. Following the private discussion, Rivera withdrew his motion, citing the fact that an official summons from the legislative body had not yet been formally received.
The trip at the center of the controversy took place from September 25 to October 6, 2025. With full authorization from the Presidency of the Republic, Taylor traveled for 12 days to Malaysia, accompanied by Juan Carlos Esquivel, director of the Center for Strategic Development and Information in Health and Social Security (Cendeisss). The official purpose was to represent the CCSS at the World Social Security Forum, an event organized by the International Social Security Association (AISS).
The expense report for the trip has drawn sharp public and political criticism. Official figures from the CCSS confirm a total cost exceeding $13,000. This includes $8,759 spent on airfare for the two officials and an additional per diem of $2,129 allocated to each, intended to cover their daily expenses during the nearly two-week engagement. The expenditure is seen by many as extravagant and poorly timed.
This controversy is amplified by the current administration’s own rhetoric. President Rodrigo Chaves, who appointed Taylor in January, has repeatedly insisted that the CCSS is “bankrupt.” His government has failed to honor a state debt to the institution exceeding ¢4 trillion and has left significant funding gaps in the proposed national budget for 2026. Critics point to the irony of the administration authorizing such a costly trip for an appointee widely seen as lacking deep expertise in health and social security matters, especially as Taylor, a former legal advisor to the President’s office, is slated to leave her post in less than seven months.
Despite the backdrop of fiscal crisis proclaimed by her own government, Taylor defended the trip’s value in a prior board meeting held in July. She framed the journey not as an expense, but as an investment in the international standing of Costa Rica’s flagship public institution.
It’s going to be a great experience. I feel extremely proud to see that the Costa Rican Social Security Fund is well-positioned, respected, and has a name internationally; we are talking about 160 countries here.
Mónica Taylor, Executive President, CCSS
As the legislative commission prepares its official summons, the board’s internal scramble to “speak the same language” suggests that the political and financial fallout from this international forum may be far from over. The hearing will not only place Taylor’s judgment under a microscope but also test the cohesion and credibility of the entire CCSS leadership in a moment of profound public distrust.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution responsible for providing universal healthcare and managing the national pension system in Costa Rica. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the country’s social welfare state, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers nationwide. It is an autonomous entity that plays a critical role in the health and financial security of the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit issa.int
About International Social Security Association (AISS):
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the principal international organization for social security institutions, government departments, and agencies. Founded in 1927, the ISSA promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services, and support to enable its members to develop dynamic social security systems and policies worldwide. The association brings together more than 320 member organizations in over 160 countries.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, this esteemed firm is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and professional distinction. It leverages a rich history of guiding clients through complex challenges to drive innovation in the legal field. Central to its philosophy is a powerful commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying the law and equipping the public with clarity, thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable society.
