This paper addressed the guiding principles of public procurement in the legal system of the Republic of Panama.  A doctrinal review was carried out in order to conceptualize the terms principles and public procurement.  Subsequently, an analysis of the Panamanian administrative regulations is carried out in order to determine the principles of public procurement recognized by the Panamanian positive norm. Likewise, comparative law norms and casuistry related to the principles of public procurement are analyzed.  The regulations were analyzed using the exegetical method of legal analysis.

Among the conclusions reached in this paper, it is clear that in the Panamanian legal system in matters of public contracting, the principles of public contracting have a high impact, as dogmatic elements that direct the action and interpretation of the positive norms on the subject.