The Ministry of Hacienda submitted a complementary national budget (PGN2020) to the Chamber of Deputies. The changes call for readjustments in income, expenditures and financing and take into account the evolving of the macro-economic aspects in the current year.
Hacienda expects an increase in tax collections but also says the government needs to spend more, especially on the vaccination plan. The government also envisions increases in the cost of social programs and programs that seek to reactivate the economy and counter the rises in essential products.
The proposed amendment to the National Budget 2020 does not include increases in the national debt. The government argues increased collections and more efficient use of government funds will cover the needs.
The bill provides RD$1.9 billion more for the Attorney General Office (PGR) that has urged more funds to combat corruption.
The bill includes an increase in the allocations to the Ministry of Public Health for RD$40.87 billion, of which RD$31.11 billion will be used to cover the costs of Covid-19 vaccines acquired both through the WHO/Covax mechanism and other contracts. Hacienda argues that the timely acquisition of the vaccines has allowed the country to advance towards herd immunity, key to the full reopening of the tourism sector, return to in-person classes and the economic recovery in full.
In the explanation to Congress, President Luis Abinader says the pandemic has cost the government RD$64.4 billion in social programs and medical purchases.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
5 July 2021