Controversy surrounding the Mayor of Acapulco and a questionable 900 million peso situation sparks public protest.
In the coastal city of Acapulco, a storm has been brewing off the coast of Guerrero – not just the devastating Category 5 hurricane Otis, but a political storm between Mayor Abelina López and journalist Jesús Gabriel Castañeda Arellano.
The controversy stems from investigative reports published by Castañeda in Acapulco Trends, a digital news outlet. The reports, published in June 2025, questioned López's refusal to disclose the use of 898 million pesos tied to post-hurricane reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Otis in 2023. The reports cited findings from the Auditoría Superior del Estado de Guerrero (ASE), suggesting irregularities in municipal spending.
López and her allies have accused Castañeda and the outlet of misogyny and racism, leading to a state electoral court ordering Acapulco Trends to issue a public apology to López for 15 days and pay a fine. Castañeda was also added to the National Registry of Sanctioned Persons for Gender-Based Political Violence for 18 months.
However, Acapulco Trends and Castañeda denounced the ruling as censorship, arguing that the mayor was using legal mechanisms to silence critical journalism. Organizations like Artículo 19 and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have warned that such rulings could set dangerous precedents for press freedom in Mexico.
The case has sparked a national debate, with critics and supporters of Castañeda arguing that the charges are a tactic to suppress investigative journalism under the guise of combating political gender violence. The complaint reportedly began in 2023, before the audit reports gained public attention, suggesting a longer-standing dispute.
López’s administration has been implicated in other controversies, including a corruption scandal involving the alleged diversion of 898 million pesos, further fueling scrutiny of her government’s financial management. Additionally, López faced criticism for spending on official portraits, highlighting perceived misuse of resources.
The passage of hurricane Otis has resulted in extensive damage in Acapulco, making the city's financial management even more critical. The Guerrero Post published photos of Acapulco after the passage of hurricane Otis, showing the devastation wrought by the storm.
The controversy reflects clashes between local government authority and press freedom amid allegations of corruption and political retaliation. As the storm subsides, the political storm shows no signs of abating, with both sides digging in for a protracted battle.
References:
- El Universal
- El Financiero
- Reforma
- Animal Politico
- El Sol de Acapulco
- Amid the ongoing controversy, journalist Jesús Gabriel Castañeda and Acapulco Trends have continued to question Mayor Abelina López's policy-and-legislation regarding the use of 898 million pesos in post-hurricane Otis reconstruction, citing irregularities in municipal spending as highlighted by the Auditoría Superior del Estado de Guerrero (ASE).
- Critics argue that the ongoing political storm between Mayor López and Castañeda, centered on these allegations, is a testament to the importance of investigative journalism, serving as a general-news beacon amidst a backdrop of political politics and the aftermath of the devastating Category 5 hurricane Otis in Acapulco.
