Yesterday, Tuesday 3 September, the Chamber of Deputies approved, in its second reading, the controversial bill to create a 911 Emergency System. The bill will now be sent to the Senate and it is proposed that the first phase will start in Santo Domingo next December.
The Deputies also approved in the first reading changes to the Dominican Civil Code that now allows women to be pursued for child support, evangelical priests can officiate at weddings, and addresses issues of the rights of communication. It also recognizes couples living together, although not married and the rights of children to inherit in those types of relationships.
The report on the Civil Code has more than 300 new articles and more than 2,280 pages and will now pass to the Senate.
Henry Meran (PLD-San Juan) said that the 200-year old Civil Code that is based on the Napoleonic Code is now closer to meeting the needs of Dominican society.
The Deputies also approved the building of a road between Pedregal and Los Montones in the municipality of San Jose de las Matas, and the reconstruction of roads and bridges.
They also ratified a loan for US$249.5 million to finance the building of a dam in Monte Grande and repair the dam in Sabana Yegua.
Finally, they declared Merengue to be the National Dance.
www.elnacional.com.do/nacional/2013/9/3/171433/Diputados-aprueban-Sistema-911-acogen-en-primera-lectura-Codigo-Civil
www.elnacional.com.do/nacional/2013/9/3/171414/Ratifican-prestamos-por-US259-MM-para-construir-presa-de-Monte-Grande