DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The Senate of the Dominican Republic is facing intense scrutiny over its decision to acquire and place RD$75 million (approximately US$1.3 million) in holiday bonds for distribution at their discretion. Civil society organizations argue the holiday bonds distorts the legislative function and highlights the deficiencies in public spending efficiency.

Representatives from various civil society groups have labeled the acquisition as a populist measure, insisting that such actions detract from the primary legislative and oversight roles of the National Congress.

According to the organizations consulted, both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies should refrain from activities involving the donation or distribution of resources, functions they assert fall outside the scope of their mandated responsibilities under current regulations.

Leidy Blanco, coordinator for the...