He was born in Panama City on January 30, 1953. He attended high school at Colegio La Salle in Nicaragua. Graduated from Norwich University in Vermont, United States, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in business administration. He holds a doctorate in international trade and marketing, of the University of Texas.

As a graduate, he held various positions in the Organization of American States. He returned to Panama to manage the family business, and was elected to the National Assembly of the Republic in two consecutive periods: 1994-1999 and 1999-2004, where he was President of the Legislative Assembly. Between 2004 and 2006, he held the position of Agricultural Development Minister.

Since 1986, has exercised his profession as CEO of the companies of the Cortizo Group: Panablock, a company that produces construction materials Hacienda Hermacor producing, high genetic livestock company.  

Member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, who ran for the presidential candidacy, after winning the party primary elections of September 2018. It receives support from the Molirena party and on May 5, 2019 is elected as President of the Republic of Panama, for the 2019-2024 period.