The Senate has issued a communique whereby it brands President Leonel Fernandez’s claims that the PRD is using the “tyranny of the majorities” in Congress to weaken democratic institutionalism as “serious, inconsiderate and unacceptable accusations”. According to a report by Diario Libre, the communique was read by Senate President Andres Bautista Garcia in the company of 15 PRD senators. “The Senate solemnly declares that it will never relinquish its responsibility and mandate derived from the people. It will obey, and be accountable to, only the people,” said part of the message. Between 27 February 2005 and 11 January 2006, the Senate has passed 18 agreements, 17 international agreements, 11 bills (including 2 tax reforms), 18 diplomatic appointments, three loans, one treaty and 717 sales contracts for state-owned land, apartments and houses.