Pilot Agustín Issin testified in court that Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni's return flight from Punta del Este was paid by journalist Marcelo Grandio, contradicting Adorni's claim. Adorni maintains he paid with his own money and continues meetings to show normalcy. MP Oscar Zago called for his resignation due to damage to the government image.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, pilot Agustín Issin testified before federal judge Ariel Lijo at Comodoro Py courts in Buenos Aires. He stated that Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni's private return flight from Punta del Este during carnival weekend was paid by TV Pública journalist Marcelo Grandio, a friend of the official. Issin detailed that Grandio paid 3,000 dollars in cash via a third party named 'Horacio', after negotiating discounts for 'empty leg' segments. The invoice was issued on March 9, weeks later, as Issin was on vacation, he explained. The witness runs Jag Executive Aviation brokerage for Alpha Centauri flights, part of a 42,250-dollar package for 10 Punta del Este trips, and provided confirming chats showing Grandio's booking. Airport Security Police (PSA) raided TV Pública studios for Grandio's contracts to check for gifts or hiring irregularities. In a Wednesday press conference, Adorni defended: 'I paid for the trip. The gift would be if I hadn't paid' and 'With my money I do what I want', stating he would respond in court and his assets come from 35 private sector years. That Thursday, Adorni met Patricia Bullrich to outline reform legislative agenda, posting on X: 'With Patricia Bullrich... Total genius. End'. Bullrich replied: 'This will be the most reformist Congress in history'. He also met Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques on 62 judge pliegos to Senate and plans talks with Sandra Pettovello and Diego Santilli. On Friday, he will get Javier Milei's backing. MP Oscar Zago (MID) called the scandal 'shameful' and urged: 'He must step aside and not harm the Government', amid economic crisis.
