COUNCILMEMBER CINDY BASS RESOLUTION URGING CITY PENSION FUND DIVESTMENT FROM EL SALVADOR AMID RULE OF LAW CONCERNS

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Councilwoman Cindy Bass successfully passed resolution #250408 in Philadelphia City Council calling on the City’s Pension Board to review and begin the process of divesting from businesses based in or operating in El Salvador. The measure passed in response to escalating concerns about the Central American nation’s commitment to the rule of law and its potential impact on Philadelphia’s public pension investments.

The resolution, titled “A Resolution directing the City Pension Funds to review and act on investments in El Salvador, ensuring transparency, accountability and ensuring fiscal responsibility in light of recent developments,” cited recent events involving the continued detention of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia — a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported and remains imprisoned in El Salvador. Despite a unanimous ruling by the United States Supreme Court ordering his return, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele dismissed the ruling, calling compliance “preposterous.”

“The refusal to honor a U.S. Supreme Court decision and the obstruction of Congressional access to detention facilities in El Salvador are alarming breaches of international legal norms,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass. “As fiduciaries of our public employees’ retirement funds, we must not ignore these red flags.”

The resolution reaffirmed the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial prudence. It directed the Philadelphia Pension Fund to review all investments tied to El Salvador and begin planning for an appropriate and responsible exit strategy to safeguard pension assets.

“The City of Philadelphia was founded on the principles of justice and the rule of law,” Bass added. “We cannot afford to align our financial future with nations that so blatantly disregard those very values.”

The resolution also urged the Pension Fund to consider broader implications for investments in countries that demonstrate instability or disregard for international legal frameworks.

This action reaffirmed Philadelphia’s role as a city of principle — where public resources reflect the values of democracy, fairness, and global accountability.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Councilwoman Cindy Bass, please contact [email protected]. 

About Councilwoman Cindy Bass: Elected to City Council in 2012, Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents Philadelphia’s 8th District, covering Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Logan, and parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia. A lifelong Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, she has dedicated her career to enhancing public safety, expanding youth programs, and improving quality of life for her constituents. Councilwoman Bass serves on multiple key committees and is known for championing initiatives that address housing, education, public health, and community development. She has led efforts to improve parks and recreation centers, combat illegal dumping, and introduce inclusive play and fitness spaces. Her legislative work includes the Nuisance Business Bill and stronger penalties for catalytic converter theft. She also launched a paid Restorative Justice Circle Keeper program to train inner-city youth and remains active in workforce development, food access, and expungement services. Councilwoman Bass lives in East Mount Airy and continues to lead with a people-first, community-driven approach. Phlcouncil.com