DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

President Luis Abinader has sent a bill authorizing the payment of decades-old debts for public works projects back to the Chamber of Deputies, following its controversial “urgent” passage last week.

The legislation, which seeks to settle arrears for projects completed without formal contracts, was pushed through by the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) majority without committee analysis. By returning the bill with specific observations, the President has forced a second look; the National Congress must now either accept or reject his amendments without further modifications.

The bill originated from a proposal by the Dominican Engineers, Architects, and Surveyors Guild (Codia). It identifies over 571 companies and beneficiaries awaiting payment for work dating back more than 30 years.

The debt is divided into two primary categories:• Public works: 95 contractors who...