Chamber of Deputies president Abel Martinez has instructed the congressional security department to prevent deputies and visitors from entering the chamber with firearms. “As established by the regulations no deputy can enter with firearms. No deputy, nobody can, not even security, can enter here in the chamber with firearms,” stated Martinez during an ordinary session of the Chamber.
He said that each block of deputies should designate the individuals who will enter the chamber in order to prevent situations that could get out of hand. He revealed that they have received complaints from deputies because citizens go to their desks to ask for something but “thank God” nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. He acknowledged that the use of the dining hall has escaped from the hands of security. “It is not a restaurant for family and friends,” and he said that even the hotel where deputies from the provinces spend the night has received complaints and was considering rescinding the contract due to the violations. Deputy Eugenio Cedeno complained that their elevators and bathrooms were being used by unauthorized persons, while Marino Collante asked his colleagues not to degrade their positions, criticizing the fact that some leave the dining hall with take-out containers.