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Next DR1 Daily News Update: Monday, 22 July 2019
Senate approves bills to regulate embargos, and promote cultural patronage
Deputies lobby to exclude child marriage from Civil Code
Punta Catalina is generating 320 megawatts
Fernández says Dominican people are against constitutional reform
Constitutional reform not submitted to Senate yet
JCE list of registered polling companies
Guillermo Moreno: Let's avoid falling into the PLD trap
Eduardo Estrella: Arrogance has taken over the government
Rudolph Guiliani: Constitution amendments are not for present elections
Guiliani says has been DR victim of sensationalism
Bill Clinton vacations in Punta Cana
Embassies seek Police and prosecutor collaboration for less visa fraud
Chivas Masters Dominican Republic winner announced
Israel is guest country for RD Fashion Week 2019
Next DR1 Daily News Update: Monday, 22 July 2019
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 July 2019. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the DR1 Forums. See DR1 Forum at https://dr1.com
Senate approves bills to regulate precautionary seizures, and promote cultural patronage
The Senate approved the bill that will regulate the use of public force for the precautionary seizure of the movable and immovable property. PLD deputies Henry Merán and Demóstenes Martínez are the authors of the initiative (Proyecto que regula el otorgamiento de la fuerza pública para implementar medidas conservatorias y ejecutorias).
The president of the Senate justice committee, Aristides Victoria Yeb said that this regulation will prevent irregular actions. Bailiffs have been known to carry out forceful appropriations and evictions with the participation of law enforcement agents.
The bill establishes that for a property seizure to be carried out the verdict of a judge of first instance is required. The judge previously needs to consult with prosecutors at the Attorney General Office. The initiative seeks to put an end to legal abuses that have affected businesses and individuals.
During the same Wednesday, 17 July 2019 session, the senators also passed the Regime for Incentives and Promotion of Cultural Patronage of the Dominican Republic (Regimen de Incentivo y Fomento del Mecenazgo Cultural de la República Dominicana) bill.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...-reforma-queda-otra-vez-solo-en-expectativas/
http://sil.camaradediputados.gob.do:8095/ReportesGenerales/VerDocumento2?documentoId=78799
Deputies lobby to exclude child marriage from Civil Code
The president of the Committee for Gender Equality of the Chamber of Deputies, Magda Rodríguez, said on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, that Dominican society is aware that "marriage is not a fit for children." The committee backs the drive by local and international organizations that seek to exclude child marriage from the Civil Code. On behalf of the Dominican government, the National Council for Children and Teenagers (Conani) has described child marriage as a harmful practice that condemns children to live in poverty.
UNICEF, Plan International, Save the Children and other nongovernmental organizations have been lobbying to change the age for marriage under the Civil Code to the voting and drinking age of 18 years. The Dominican Civil Code allows girls and teenagers to marry after the age of 15. For children to get married before the age of 16 for boys and 15 for girls, the authorization of their parents or a judge is enough for the marriage to be legal. Otherwise, having sex with a minor is criminally penalized.
PRM deputy Faride Raful says the state needs to guarantee development opportunities for girls, so they can study and get jobs. She also suggested that child marriage is likely to subject children to violence.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-que-justifica-matrimonio-infantil-OG13406855
https://campaigns.savethechildren.n...-give-us-hand-campaign-against-child-marriage
https://plan-international.org/news/2017-05-30-dominican-republic-takes-steps-ban-child-marriage
Punta Catalina is generating 320 megawatts
The Public Electricity Corporation (CDEEE) reports that Unit 1 of the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Plant has been online since 6 July 2019 producing 320 megawatts to the national electricity grid. The plant is in test phase. Overall Punta Catalina has installed capacity for 752 MW in two units of 376 MW each.
The consortium of Odebrecht-Technimont-Estrella is building the power plant. It was contracted for US$1,945 million. El Dia reports that it is costing the Dominican government at least US$2,355 million.
A report in El Dia stated that according to government reports, the power plant has been in operation only six days from 24 May to the afternoon of 17 July.
The Punta Catalina power plant is the largest public infrastructure undertaken by the Medina administration. A new investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists reveals unreported cases and massive public works projects embroiled in Odebrecht’s bribery operation. These new revelations provide insight into alleged corruption related to the Punta Catalina power plant.
The information on the power plants that are operating is at the link:
http://www.oc.org.do/Servicios/Reportes/DisponibilidadReal
https://listindiario.com/economia/2019/07/17/574428/la-cdeee-asegura-punta-catalina-esta-operando
https://eldia.com.do/punta-catalina-ha-operado-cinco-dias-desde-mayo-pasado/
https://hoy.com.do/cdeee-unidad-1-de-punta-catalina-ya-esta-funcionando/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/en-directo/deje-esa-vaina-asi-senor-procurador-HE13423253
https://www.icij.org/investigations...ents-in-odebrecht-cash-for-contracts-scandal/
Fernández says Dominican people reject constitutional reform
Former President Leonel Fernández addressed his followers and the nation, speaking under an intense rainstorm from a truck platform parked near the National Congress. His words came after there were rumors that followers of President Danilo Medina would convene the National Assembly for Constitution Revision to begin the process to amend the 2015 Constitution.
The 2015 Constitution bans President Medina from seeking another term in office. The same constitution enabled former President Leonel Fernández to be the PLD presidential candidate in the 2020 general election.
Speaking to his followers and the general public, Fernández explained that the previous 2010 Constitution allowed for non-consecutive four-year terms with no limit to a politician returning to power. Fernández said this was an amendment of the 1994 Constitution incorporated into the 2010 Constitution because of negotiations with the largest opposition party of the time, the PRD. Leaders of the PRD were against consecutive reelection.
But Fernández said he had always favored the formula of two presidential terms and thus agreed to this in the 2015 Constitution amendment. The amendment enabled President Danilo Medina to seek a second consecutive term, but also enabled Fernandez to run again for President in 2020 and seek another period in 2024.
"A constitution is a social pact, it is not the monopoly of Congress," said Fernández, speaking to his followers and the nation that has been following the political impasse between himself and President Danilo Medina.
"I lament that today we are here in front of the National Congress asking for respect to the Constitution.” He noted that most of the legislators and the presidents of both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies are fellow members of the Political Committee of the PLD.
"I lament this because I have had 46 years in the PLD, and I am a founding member of the party," he stated.
"We cannot modify the Constitution every four years to facilitate the staying in power of the President of the Republic. I am sorry, but I cannot back this," he said.
Fernández said that while his critics among Medina followers have consistently stressed that he should respect the decision of the majority and that he only represents the minority of Dominicans. But he stated the contrary is true. "The majority of the Dominican people are calling for respecting the Constitution," said Fernández. He said 80% of the people want the Constitution to be respected.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 July, the president of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Pérez was at the Presidential Palace meeting with President Danilo Medina.
Asked about the protest outside the Senate by Fernández, Pared Pérez told journalists: "Well, it's his right, but the president of my party, protesting against the Congress that his party runs, leaves a lot to be desired."
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-antes-de-sesion-senado-y-protesta-de-leonel/
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...la-constitucion-y-aupar-reeleccion-de-danilo/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-entre-danilo-medina-y-presidente-del-senado
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-antes-de-sesion-senado-y-protesta-de-leonel/
https://n.com.do/2019/07/17/proyect...nado-danilo-se-reune-con-reinaldo-y-valentin/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/video-...resentara-proyecto-de-reforma-a-constitucion/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ce-no-puede-apoyar-a-danilo-medina-DE13424272
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...anifestacion-de-leonel-deja-mucho-que-desear/
Constitutional reform not submitted to Senate yet
The present legislature closes on 26 July 2019. When reporters asked the president of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Perez (PLD-National District) if there was still time to modify the Constitution, he responded: “The only thing for which there is no time is to not die, for everything else there is time.”
Pared Pérez is also the secretary-general of the PLD. That afternoon, he was at the Presidency. He returned and declared the next work session would be on Tuesday, 23 July. Of 32 senators, 27 were present at the Wednesday session.
The Wednesday, 17 July work session took place while former President Leonel Fernández spoke to his followers that gathered outside the National Congress to protest attempts to convene the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision. This call is a first step for constitutional reform. Constitutional reform was not on the agenda for Wednesday.
The regular legislature closes on 26 July, but President Danilo Medina could order an extension through 14 August.
There is a 22 August 2019 deadline for the presenting of pre-candidates for the 6 October 2019 Dominican Liberation Party (PRD) primary. Thus, the expectations that the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision could be introduced any day now.
The National Assembly for Constitutional Revision can be convened with half of the legislators present in each house. Once the bill is approved in one house, a 24-hour wait period is required to present it in the second house, where again half of those present can approve it and begin constitutional deliberations.
Political analysts explain President Medina followers have enough votes to convene the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision. Nevertheless, there is speculation the ruling party has not ensured sufficient votes for the motion to pass in the Chamber of Deputies. Medina followers are majority in the Senate.
Meanwhile, managing editor of Diario Libre, Ines Aizpun writes in an editorial on Thursday, 18 July that the open dispute in the ruling party is probably a good thing. It could deactivate the accumulation of power by the ruling party that she says has reached levels of the PRI in Mexico.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ra-lo-unico-que-no-hay-tiempo-es-para-morirse
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...odujo-proyecto-de-reforma-porque-no-hay-votos
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ma-no-alcanza-espacio-en-la-agenda-del-senado
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/la-crispacion-que-semana-IH13415519
JCE list of registered polling companies
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) shared the list of polling companies that have met the requirement to register to publish polls related to the 2020 general election, as ordered by Art. 199 of Electoral Law 15-19. So far, 33 companies have registered, and the JCE says the registration process is still open.
The same law bans the publishing of polls eight days before the elections and by firms that have not registered with the JCE.
See the companies at:
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...registrado-en-la-jce-el-proceso-sigue-abierto
Guillermo Moreno: Let's avoid falling into the PLD trap
Former National District Attorney, lawyer and politician Guillermo Moreno called on the Dominican people to reject Danilo Medina's reelection project. He urged the people to not fall into what he described as "the well-designed trap" of those who seek to use the effort for Leonel Fernandez's political rehabilitation.
Moreno wants the ruling PLD out of government. "We must draw a clear dividing line between the opportunist opposition and the real opposition. The former opposes the reelection project, but is an ally of Leonelism. The second opposes the constitutional amendment and the continuing of the PLD in government," Guillermo Moreno explained in his weekly commentary.
He argued that between the factions of President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernández there are no differences of ideas nor do they represent different political projects. He said that neither care about democracy or Dominican institutions.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion...inflexion-de-la-oposicion-politica-CJ13380763
Eduardo Estrella: Arrogance has taken over the government
Eduardo Estrella, president of Dominicans for Change Party (DxC), criticized that the government of President Danilo Medina has neglected to address the country's problems as it concentrates on its reelection project. "This has plunged the Dominican population into uncertainty," he said. He said arrogance and intolerance have taken over the government.
The political leader lamented the irresponsible way in which the higher echelons of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) have taken the party internal crisis to the National Congress.
"Have you seen in this proposal to modify the Constitution anything that benefits youth, Dominican women, citizen safety, as well as job creation? No. It's just that they want to modify it for their own benefit," Estrella said.
He spoke during the launching of the candidacy of Gregory Castro for mayor for the municipality of San Pedro de Macorís. Estrella stated that the time has come to take a step forward, to stop the PLD in its plans to continue in government. He urged the government to desist in changing the Constitution.
He urged the head of state and his officials to make the most of the time left over from their mandate to govern.
http://z101digital.com/eduardo-estr...ara-solo-pensar-en-modificar-la-constitucion/
Rudolph Guiliani: Constitution amendments are not for present elections
Former New York City Mayor, 75-year old Rudolph Guiliani was in Santo Domingo for meetings with PRM presidential pre-candidate Luis Abinader. Guiliani has been an advisor to Abinader since his first run for the presidency in 2016.
Guiliani gave his personal opinion that a constitutional amendment should not be carried out to favor individuals or benefit the present incumbent. He said that the amendment should be for the future, not the present.
He said that democracy must be respected and rules maintained. He said there must be greater participation than that of a small legislature. He said constitutional reform otherwise would lead to an authoritarian government, such as those of Cuba or Venezuela.
Giuliani spoke in those terms while participating in a meeting organized by Abinader. He addressed citizen security. Guiliani called for eliminating corruption at all levels of government and society. He remarked that if the police do their job, the prosecutors theirs, but then the judge frees the criminal, this is a step back to end corruption and insecurity.
Guiliani is a personal lawyer for US President Donald Trump.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...e-logra-seguridad-si-se-elimina-la-corrupcion
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...-debe-ser-reformada-para-proximas-elecciones/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...cion-podrian-llevar-a-un-gobierno-autoritario
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...-constitucion-hace-pensar-en-chavez-y-castro/
https://nypost.com/2019/06/06/rudy-giuliani-says-hell-leave-team-trump-after-russia-cleanup/
Guiliani says has been DR victim of sensationalism
Former New York City mayor, Rudolph Giuliani said Dominican authorities have not explained well the causes of deaths of US tourists in the country. He says this has fed the media campaign against the country. He made the observation when visiting the Dominican Republic this 17 July 2019 for political consultations with Luis Abinader, the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) presidential pre-candidate.
The former mayor, also a personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, said US media coverage has been exaggerated and sensationalistic when reporting on the dangers of visiting the Dominican Republic.
He recommended the authorities make the information more transparent to explain the deaths of US citizens better and clarify that the situation in the country is not what is being reported.
Although the causes of the deaths seem to have had many similar circumstances, if they are not that way, they have not been explained in a precise and adequate manner and there has not been a definitive response to those causes, he emphasized.
"You know the essence of the press, and the sensationalist news is the best to get people's attention," he said.
In an anecdotal note, he recalled that his stepdaughter expressed concern for his visit here. "Don't worry,” he said he told her. “It's an exaggeration, everything is fine and I love to visit the country,” he recalls telling her.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-rd-y-la-considera-sensacionalista-KE13420183
Bill Clinton vacations in Punta Cana
Former US President Bill Clinton was in Punta Cana this Wednesday, 17 July 2019. The visit comes at a time when US news media are following any casualties of US tourists in the area.
Dominican ambassador in Washington, D.C., José Tomas Pérez, informed of the visit in his Twitter account. "Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Your visit is the best message to Americans and the world on the safety and quality of our tourism," he wrote. He sent a photo showing Clinton smiling and taking photos with people at a Punta Cana hotel.
During his visit, former President Clinton toured the installations of the Consorcio Energetico Punta Cana Macao (CEPM). CEPM supplies power to Bávaro, Verón, Nisibón, Miches and Punta Cana. During the tour, he was accompanied by Rolando González Bunster, CEO of InterEnergy, Frank Rainieri, president of the Grupo Punta Cana and Roberto Herrera, executive director of CEPM.
http://bavarodigital.net/2019/07/17...l-consorcio-energetico-punta-cana-macao-cepm/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...on-esta-de-vacaciones-en-republica-dominicana
https://n.com.do/2019/07/17/bill-clinton-de-vacaciones-en-republica-dominicana/
Embassies seek Police and prosecutor collaboration for less visa fraud
Representatives of the embassies of Canada, France, Spain and the United States met with National District prosecutor Rosalba Ramos and heads of the Police this week. They met to advocate for increased efforts to reduce visa identity fraud.
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos said the priority of the Attorney General Office is to prosecute members of networks dedicated to the practice and not only the scamming citizen. She said that that person is also a victim because he pays high amounts of money to secure the forged documentation for a visa.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Roenny Catano said the Police seeks to find better ways to crack down on criminal structures and counter the use of forged documents for obtaining visas.
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...ucha-contra-mafias-que-falsifican-documentos/
Chivas Masters Dominican Republic winner announced
Lisander Lara Peña of Qero Pisco Bar at Calle Luis Lemberg Peguero No. 1 in the Naco residential and commercial area of Santo Domingo won the Chivas Masters Dominican Republic 2019 competition. His winning cocktail was "Curandero."
The event is organized every year by Pernod Ricard Dominicana, importers in the Dominican Republic of Chivas Regal and other Pernod Ricard liquors.
Second place was won by Ricardo Rodriguez, of the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar in Punta Cana. Yandery Crispin of Hotel Circle by Meliá in Punta Cana won third place.
Lara Peña will travel to the United Kingdom for the international competition in August.
https://hoy.com.do/chivas-masters-ya-tiene-a-su-alegre-ganador-lisander-lara/
Israel is guest country for RD Fashion Week 2019
Israeli fashion designer Idan Cohen will have the stellar runway show for the 10th RD Fashion Week that will take place 23-27 July 2019 in Santo Domingo. This is the second runway show by Cohen in the Dominican Republic. In 2015, he closed the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Santo Domingo.
The Idan Cohen runway show will be on Saturday, 27 July 2019, at 10pm at the Gran Piantini Hall of the JW Marriott Hotel in Blue Mall on Av. Winston Churchill, Santo Domingo. The event is a benefit for the Fundación Francina Hungría that helps people with visual problems.
A highlight of this year is the runway show "For a Second Chance" with clothes designed by persons in jail. There will also be runway shows for children with special conditions, seniors, and persons in wheelchairs.
https://elnacional.com.do/israel-pa...week-2019-con-connotado-disenador-idan-cohen/
https://www.idancohen.net/
Senate approves bills to regulate embargos, and promote cultural patronage
Deputies lobby to exclude child marriage from Civil Code
Punta Catalina is generating 320 megawatts
Fernández says Dominican people are against constitutional reform
Constitutional reform not submitted to Senate yet
JCE list of registered polling companies
Guillermo Moreno: Let's avoid falling into the PLD trap
Eduardo Estrella: Arrogance has taken over the government
Rudolph Guiliani: Constitution amendments are not for present elections
Guiliani says has been DR victim of sensationalism
Bill Clinton vacations in Punta Cana
Embassies seek Police and prosecutor collaboration for less visa fraud
Chivas Masters Dominican Republic winner announced
Israel is guest country for RD Fashion Week 2019
Next DR1 Daily News Update: Monday, 22 July 2019
The next DR1 Daily News update will be published on Monday, 22 July 2019. The Monday issue will compile headline news for the previous Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Breaking news can be followed 24/7 in the DR1 Forums. See DR1 Forum at https://dr1.com
Senate approves bills to regulate precautionary seizures, and promote cultural patronage
The Senate approved the bill that will regulate the use of public force for the precautionary seizure of the movable and immovable property. PLD deputies Henry Merán and Demóstenes Martínez are the authors of the initiative (Proyecto que regula el otorgamiento de la fuerza pública para implementar medidas conservatorias y ejecutorias).
The president of the Senate justice committee, Aristides Victoria Yeb said that this regulation will prevent irregular actions. Bailiffs have been known to carry out forceful appropriations and evictions with the participation of law enforcement agents.
The bill establishes that for a property seizure to be carried out the verdict of a judge of first instance is required. The judge previously needs to consult with prosecutors at the Attorney General Office. The initiative seeks to put an end to legal abuses that have affected businesses and individuals.
During the same Wednesday, 17 July 2019 session, the senators also passed the Regime for Incentives and Promotion of Cultural Patronage of the Dominican Republic (Regimen de Incentivo y Fomento del Mecenazgo Cultural de la República Dominicana) bill.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...-reforma-queda-otra-vez-solo-en-expectativas/
http://sil.camaradediputados.gob.do:8095/ReportesGenerales/VerDocumento2?documentoId=78799
Deputies lobby to exclude child marriage from Civil Code
The president of the Committee for Gender Equality of the Chamber of Deputies, Magda Rodríguez, said on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, that Dominican society is aware that "marriage is not a fit for children." The committee backs the drive by local and international organizations that seek to exclude child marriage from the Civil Code. On behalf of the Dominican government, the National Council for Children and Teenagers (Conani) has described child marriage as a harmful practice that condemns children to live in poverty.
UNICEF, Plan International, Save the Children and other nongovernmental organizations have been lobbying to change the age for marriage under the Civil Code to the voting and drinking age of 18 years. The Dominican Civil Code allows girls and teenagers to marry after the age of 15. For children to get married before the age of 16 for boys and 15 for girls, the authorization of their parents or a judge is enough for the marriage to be legal. Otherwise, having sex with a minor is criminally penalized.
PRM deputy Faride Raful says the state needs to guarantee development opportunities for girls, so they can study and get jobs. She also suggested that child marriage is likely to subject children to violence.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-que-justifica-matrimonio-infantil-OG13406855
https://campaigns.savethechildren.n...-give-us-hand-campaign-against-child-marriage
https://plan-international.org/news/2017-05-30-dominican-republic-takes-steps-ban-child-marriage
Punta Catalina is generating 320 megawatts
The Public Electricity Corporation (CDEEE) reports that Unit 1 of the Punta Catalina Thermoelectric Plant has been online since 6 July 2019 producing 320 megawatts to the national electricity grid. The plant is in test phase. Overall Punta Catalina has installed capacity for 752 MW in two units of 376 MW each.
The consortium of Odebrecht-Technimont-Estrella is building the power plant. It was contracted for US$1,945 million. El Dia reports that it is costing the Dominican government at least US$2,355 million.
A report in El Dia stated that according to government reports, the power plant has been in operation only six days from 24 May to the afternoon of 17 July.
The Punta Catalina power plant is the largest public infrastructure undertaken by the Medina administration. A new investigation led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists reveals unreported cases and massive public works projects embroiled in Odebrecht’s bribery operation. These new revelations provide insight into alleged corruption related to the Punta Catalina power plant.
The information on the power plants that are operating is at the link:
http://www.oc.org.do/Servicios/Reportes/DisponibilidadReal
https://listindiario.com/economia/2019/07/17/574428/la-cdeee-asegura-punta-catalina-esta-operando
https://eldia.com.do/punta-catalina-ha-operado-cinco-dias-desde-mayo-pasado/
https://hoy.com.do/cdeee-unidad-1-de-punta-catalina-ya-esta-funcionando/
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/en-directo/deje-esa-vaina-asi-senor-procurador-HE13423253
https://www.icij.org/investigations...ents-in-odebrecht-cash-for-contracts-scandal/
Fernández says Dominican people reject constitutional reform
Former President Leonel Fernández addressed his followers and the nation, speaking under an intense rainstorm from a truck platform parked near the National Congress. His words came after there were rumors that followers of President Danilo Medina would convene the National Assembly for Constitution Revision to begin the process to amend the 2015 Constitution.
The 2015 Constitution bans President Medina from seeking another term in office. The same constitution enabled former President Leonel Fernández to be the PLD presidential candidate in the 2020 general election.
Speaking to his followers and the general public, Fernández explained that the previous 2010 Constitution allowed for non-consecutive four-year terms with no limit to a politician returning to power. Fernández said this was an amendment of the 1994 Constitution incorporated into the 2010 Constitution because of negotiations with the largest opposition party of the time, the PRD. Leaders of the PRD were against consecutive reelection.
But Fernández said he had always favored the formula of two presidential terms and thus agreed to this in the 2015 Constitution amendment. The amendment enabled President Danilo Medina to seek a second consecutive term, but also enabled Fernandez to run again for President in 2020 and seek another period in 2024.
"A constitution is a social pact, it is not the monopoly of Congress," said Fernández, speaking to his followers and the nation that has been following the political impasse between himself and President Danilo Medina.
"I lament that today we are here in front of the National Congress asking for respect to the Constitution.” He noted that most of the legislators and the presidents of both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies are fellow members of the Political Committee of the PLD.
"I lament this because I have had 46 years in the PLD, and I am a founding member of the party," he stated.
"We cannot modify the Constitution every four years to facilitate the staying in power of the President of the Republic. I am sorry, but I cannot back this," he said.
Fernández said that while his critics among Medina followers have consistently stressed that he should respect the decision of the majority and that he only represents the minority of Dominicans. But he stated the contrary is true. "The majority of the Dominican people are calling for respecting the Constitution," said Fernández. He said 80% of the people want the Constitution to be respected.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 17 July, the president of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Pérez was at the Presidential Palace meeting with President Danilo Medina.
Asked about the protest outside the Senate by Fernández, Pared Pérez told journalists: "Well, it's his right, but the president of my party, protesting against the Congress that his party runs, leaves a lot to be desired."
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-antes-de-sesion-senado-y-protesta-de-leonel/
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...la-constitucion-y-aupar-reeleccion-de-danilo/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-entre-danilo-medina-y-presidente-del-senado
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...-antes-de-sesion-senado-y-protesta-de-leonel/
https://n.com.do/2019/07/17/proyect...nado-danilo-se-reune-con-reinaldo-y-valentin/
https://elnuevodiario.com.do/video-...resentara-proyecto-de-reforma-a-constitucion/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...ce-no-puede-apoyar-a-danilo-medina-DE13424272
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...anifestacion-de-leonel-deja-mucho-que-desear/
Constitutional reform not submitted to Senate yet
The present legislature closes on 26 July 2019. When reporters asked the president of the Senate, Reinaldo Pared Perez (PLD-National District) if there was still time to modify the Constitution, he responded: “The only thing for which there is no time is to not die, for everything else there is time.”
Pared Pérez is also the secretary-general of the PLD. That afternoon, he was at the Presidency. He returned and declared the next work session would be on Tuesday, 23 July. Of 32 senators, 27 were present at the Wednesday session.
The Wednesday, 17 July work session took place while former President Leonel Fernández spoke to his followers that gathered outside the National Congress to protest attempts to convene the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision. This call is a first step for constitutional reform. Constitutional reform was not on the agenda for Wednesday.
The regular legislature closes on 26 July, but President Danilo Medina could order an extension through 14 August.
There is a 22 August 2019 deadline for the presenting of pre-candidates for the 6 October 2019 Dominican Liberation Party (PRD) primary. Thus, the expectations that the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision could be introduced any day now.
The National Assembly for Constitutional Revision can be convened with half of the legislators present in each house. Once the bill is approved in one house, a 24-hour wait period is required to present it in the second house, where again half of those present can approve it and begin constitutional deliberations.
Political analysts explain President Medina followers have enough votes to convene the National Assembly for Constitutional Revision. Nevertheless, there is speculation the ruling party has not ensured sufficient votes for the motion to pass in the Chamber of Deputies. Medina followers are majority in the Senate.
Meanwhile, managing editor of Diario Libre, Ines Aizpun writes in an editorial on Thursday, 18 July that the open dispute in the ruling party is probably a good thing. It could deactivate the accumulation of power by the ruling party that she says has reached levels of the PRI in Mexico.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ra-lo-unico-que-no-hay-tiempo-es-para-morirse
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...odujo-proyecto-de-reforma-porque-no-hay-votos
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ma-no-alcanza-espacio-en-la-agenda-del-senado
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/am/la-crispacion-que-semana-IH13415519
JCE list of registered polling companies
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) shared the list of polling companies that have met the requirement to register to publish polls related to the 2020 general election, as ordered by Art. 199 of Electoral Law 15-19. So far, 33 companies have registered, and the JCE says the registration process is still open.
The same law bans the publishing of polls eight days before the elections and by firms that have not registered with the JCE.
See the companies at:
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...registrado-en-la-jce-el-proceso-sigue-abierto
Guillermo Moreno: Let's avoid falling into the PLD trap
Former National District Attorney, lawyer and politician Guillermo Moreno called on the Dominican people to reject Danilo Medina's reelection project. He urged the people to not fall into what he described as "the well-designed trap" of those who seek to use the effort for Leonel Fernandez's political rehabilitation.
Moreno wants the ruling PLD out of government. "We must draw a clear dividing line between the opportunist opposition and the real opposition. The former opposes the reelection project, but is an ally of Leonelism. The second opposes the constitutional amendment and the continuing of the PLD in government," Guillermo Moreno explained in his weekly commentary.
He argued that between the factions of President Danilo Medina and former President Leonel Fernández there are no differences of ideas nor do they represent different political projects. He said that neither care about democracy or Dominican institutions.
https://www.diariolibre.com/opinion...inflexion-de-la-oposicion-politica-CJ13380763
Eduardo Estrella: Arrogance has taken over the government
Eduardo Estrella, president of Dominicans for Change Party (DxC), criticized that the government of President Danilo Medina has neglected to address the country's problems as it concentrates on its reelection project. "This has plunged the Dominican population into uncertainty," he said. He said arrogance and intolerance have taken over the government.
The political leader lamented the irresponsible way in which the higher echelons of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) have taken the party internal crisis to the National Congress.
"Have you seen in this proposal to modify the Constitution anything that benefits youth, Dominican women, citizen safety, as well as job creation? No. It's just that they want to modify it for their own benefit," Estrella said.
He spoke during the launching of the candidacy of Gregory Castro for mayor for the municipality of San Pedro de Macorís. Estrella stated that the time has come to take a step forward, to stop the PLD in its plans to continue in government. He urged the government to desist in changing the Constitution.
He urged the head of state and his officials to make the most of the time left over from their mandate to govern.
http://z101digital.com/eduardo-estr...ara-solo-pensar-en-modificar-la-constitucion/
Rudolph Guiliani: Constitution amendments are not for present elections
Former New York City Mayor, 75-year old Rudolph Guiliani was in Santo Domingo for meetings with PRM presidential pre-candidate Luis Abinader. Guiliani has been an advisor to Abinader since his first run for the presidency in 2016.
Guiliani gave his personal opinion that a constitutional amendment should not be carried out to favor individuals or benefit the present incumbent. He said that the amendment should be for the future, not the present.
He said that democracy must be respected and rules maintained. He said there must be greater participation than that of a small legislature. He said constitutional reform otherwise would lead to an authoritarian government, such as those of Cuba or Venezuela.
Giuliani spoke in those terms while participating in a meeting organized by Abinader. He addressed citizen security. Guiliani called for eliminating corruption at all levels of government and society. He remarked that if the police do their job, the prosecutors theirs, but then the judge frees the criminal, this is a step back to end corruption and insecurity.
Guiliani is a personal lawyer for US President Donald Trump.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...e-logra-seguridad-si-se-elimina-la-corrupcion
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2019/07...-debe-ser-reformada-para-proximas-elecciones/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...cion-podrian-llevar-a-un-gobierno-autoritario
https://acento.com.do/2019/politica...-constitucion-hace-pensar-en-chavez-y-castro/
https://nypost.com/2019/06/06/rudy-giuliani-says-hell-leave-team-trump-after-russia-cleanup/
Guiliani says has been DR victim of sensationalism
Former New York City mayor, Rudolph Giuliani said Dominican authorities have not explained well the causes of deaths of US tourists in the country. He says this has fed the media campaign against the country. He made the observation when visiting the Dominican Republic this 17 July 2019 for political consultations with Luis Abinader, the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) presidential pre-candidate.
The former mayor, also a personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, said US media coverage has been exaggerated and sensationalistic when reporting on the dangers of visiting the Dominican Republic.
He recommended the authorities make the information more transparent to explain the deaths of US citizens better and clarify that the situation in the country is not what is being reported.
Although the causes of the deaths seem to have had many similar circumstances, if they are not that way, they have not been explained in a precise and adequate manner and there has not been a definitive response to those causes, he emphasized.
"You know the essence of the press, and the sensationalist news is the best to get people's attention," he said.
In an anecdotal note, he recalled that his stepdaughter expressed concern for his visit here. "Don't worry,” he said he told her. “It's an exaggeration, everything is fine and I love to visit the country,” he recalls telling her.
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...-rd-y-la-considera-sensacionalista-KE13420183
Bill Clinton vacations in Punta Cana
Former US President Bill Clinton was in Punta Cana this Wednesday, 17 July 2019. The visit comes at a time when US news media are following any casualties of US tourists in the area.
Dominican ambassador in Washington, D.C., José Tomas Pérez, informed of the visit in his Twitter account. "Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Your visit is the best message to Americans and the world on the safety and quality of our tourism," he wrote. He sent a photo showing Clinton smiling and taking photos with people at a Punta Cana hotel.
During his visit, former President Clinton toured the installations of the Consorcio Energetico Punta Cana Macao (CEPM). CEPM supplies power to Bávaro, Verón, Nisibón, Miches and Punta Cana. During the tour, he was accompanied by Rolando González Bunster, CEO of InterEnergy, Frank Rainieri, president of the Grupo Punta Cana and Roberto Herrera, executive director of CEPM.
http://bavarodigital.net/2019/07/17...l-consorcio-energetico-punta-cana-macao-cepm/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...on-esta-de-vacaciones-en-republica-dominicana
https://n.com.do/2019/07/17/bill-clinton-de-vacaciones-en-republica-dominicana/
Embassies seek Police and prosecutor collaboration for less visa fraud
Representatives of the embassies of Canada, France, Spain and the United States met with National District prosecutor Rosalba Ramos and heads of the Police this week. They met to advocate for increased efforts to reduce visa identity fraud.
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos said the priority of the Attorney General Office is to prosecute members of networks dedicated to the practice and not only the scamming citizen. She said that that person is also a victim because he pays high amounts of money to secure the forged documentation for a visa.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Roenny Catano said the Police seeks to find better ways to crack down on criminal structures and counter the use of forged documents for obtaining visas.
https://acento.com.do/2019/actualid...ucha-contra-mafias-que-falsifican-documentos/
Chivas Masters Dominican Republic winner announced
Lisander Lara Peña of Qero Pisco Bar at Calle Luis Lemberg Peguero No. 1 in the Naco residential and commercial area of Santo Domingo won the Chivas Masters Dominican Republic 2019 competition. His winning cocktail was "Curandero."
The event is organized every year by Pernod Ricard Dominicana, importers in the Dominican Republic of Chivas Regal and other Pernod Ricard liquors.
Second place was won by Ricardo Rodriguez, of the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar in Punta Cana. Yandery Crispin of Hotel Circle by Meliá in Punta Cana won third place.
Lara Peña will travel to the United Kingdom for the international competition in August.
https://hoy.com.do/chivas-masters-ya-tiene-a-su-alegre-ganador-lisander-lara/
Israel is guest country for RD Fashion Week 2019
Israeli fashion designer Idan Cohen will have the stellar runway show for the 10th RD Fashion Week that will take place 23-27 July 2019 in Santo Domingo. This is the second runway show by Cohen in the Dominican Republic. In 2015, he closed the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Santo Domingo.
The Idan Cohen runway show will be on Saturday, 27 July 2019, at 10pm at the Gran Piantini Hall of the JW Marriott Hotel in Blue Mall on Av. Winston Churchill, Santo Domingo. The event is a benefit for the Fundación Francina Hungría that helps people with visual problems.
A highlight of this year is the runway show "For a Second Chance" with clothes designed by persons in jail. There will also be runway shows for children with special conditions, seniors, and persons in wheelchairs.
https://elnacional.com.do/israel-pa...week-2019-con-connotado-disenador-idan-cohen/
https://www.idancohen.net/