Former government officers Temistocles Montas and Simon Lizardo denied that RD$45 million are missing from the Banco de Reservas loan for hurricane repairs. In a written statement, the former Technical Secretary of the Presidency and Administrative Secretary of the Presidency said that “even the conclusions of the audit highlight that it is not true the RD$45 million are missing as it was money that was not disbursed from a line of credit.” The Mejia administration has cited former President Leonel Fernandez and 15 of his government officers for questioning regarding the account. Political analysts say the timing and scope of the investigation seeks to discredit the former President, who is the strongest political foe of the PRD. They also say the move attempts to raise a smoke screen just days before the selection of three Supreme Court justices, and the reform of the Constitution to maintain the dominance of the PRD party.
