The PRD has asked lawmakers to modify the National Budget Bill and have the RD$7.7 billion the Presidency wants to use at its discretion transferred to education and health. It is also requesting that lawmakers eliminate the exchange rate commission and use the RD$1.8 billion allocated to the metro project to the benefit of children and youth. They are proposing that the metro be financed by international organizations such as the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) or the World Bank (WB), after holding a public tender. The document sent to lawmakers asks that the bill transfer surplus income to the Central Bank for the solution of the quasi-fiscal deficit.
Meanwhile, Diario Libre reports that PRD senators have warned that they will not allow, under any circumstances, the application of both the tax reform and the exchange rate commission. Spokesman Tommy Duran said that the basis for the tax reform was the elimination of the exchange commission. However, some items are currently being taxed with 16% VAT (ITBIS) and also with 13% exchange commission, and this is inconceivable, according to Duran. He understands that the tax reform can still be applied even if the DR-CAFTA treaty has not come into effect, but the exchange commission must still be eliminated, as it would represent double-taxation. “Constitutionally, this shows lack of respect towards the people, and even more towards lawmakers who have made such a big effort and sacrifice to pass a reform which we must now warrant its application and not allow the duality of the exchange commission”, said Duran.