Fondo Milagro manager resigns following controversy over high monthly salaries

Jaime Andrés Uribe Tamayo has resigned from his position as manager of Fondo Milagro following a controversy regarding high monthly salaries within the entity. The resignation comes after a response to a petition revealed that the approximate monthly payroll for the fund stands at $765.6 million. Fondo Milagro was established to manage the reconstruction efforts following an earthquake that occurred on August 10, 2026.

Salary disputes and presidential response

The controversy intensified after details emerged regarding the compensation of high-level officials within the fund. Jaime Andrés Uribe Tamayo earned a monthly salary of $39,441,454 during his 84-day tenure. Other high-ranking officials also received significant compensation, including the Secretary Private and the Legal and Contracting Director, who each earned $36 million per month. According to a projected payroll structure for the entity, there were 27 total positions. Reports regarding the number of employees earning more than $30 million per month vary; some outlets reported 19 positions, while others reported 20 employees earning that amount.

President Abelardo de La Espriella has ordered the reversal of the salary scale at Fondo Milagro. The President stated that the announced salaries do not align with his austerity directive and he has ordered them to be reversed. President Abelardo de La Espriella also said that he will not allow unconsulted decisions that contradict his instructions to mar the reconstruction mission. The President added that while he is not infallible, he has the character and mechanisms to correct errors.

Fund resources and reconstruction goals

Fondo Milagro operates with a maximum approved budget of $624,656 million for the Programa de Intervenciones Urgentes y Prioritarias. The resources for the fund include a $200 million USD loan from the World Bank (BIRF 9774-CO) via Legislative Decree 1412 of 2026. Other funding sources for the fund include the General National Budget, though the fund has not received income from donations, international cooperation, or territorial contributions as of the latest balance.

The reconstruction mission involves significant infrastructure and safety costs. For example, demolition processes in Pereira and Cali total $7,440 million. As of November 9, 2026, the fund had only signed two contracts. The management of these funds remains a priority as the country prepares to discuss a tax reform to increase state revenue.

Glossary

• World Bank (BIRF 9774-CO) — The World Bank is an organization that executes projects to improve accessibility to education. It also provides support for infrastructure projects and provides loans for reconstruction missions.
• Cali — Cali is a city in Colombia. It was founded by the Spaniard Sebastián de Belalcázar in 1536.
• tax reform — A tax reform is a measure discussed to increase state revenue.