The Senate is expected to session on Monday, 9 August 2021 and the vote of the very contentious Penal Code is expected to be on the day’s agenda. Much of the adverse considerations center on the issue of abortion in the past, but the discussions now focus on several clauses that would weaken even more the prosecution of corruption as established in the present Penal Code.
Senators Franklin Romero (PRM-Duarte), Ramon Rogelio Genao (PRSC-La Vega) and Milciades Franjul (PRM-Peravia) have requested that Senate president Eduardo Estrella call the body into session and place the Penal Code on the day’s agenda. PRM senators advocate the passing of the favorable report for the fast-tracking of the Penal Code without a reading. News analysts say a majority of senators is prepared to vote for the quick passage of the bill because this would be in the self-interest of legislators that could be tried for corruption in office.
The senators have rejected to include in the Penal Code recommendations from the legal advisor of the Presidency, the Attorney General Office, and civic society groups such as the Foundation for Institutionalism and Justice (Finjus) and Citizen Participation (Participación Ciudadana), among others.
The special committee is presided by Santiago Zorrilla (PRM-El Seibo), who is currently hospitalized for Covid-19, but has signed the draft with the request. Furthermore, another senator, Dionis Sanchez (FP-Pedernales) is abroad. The signatures of both are needed for the legislation to be taken into consideration.
The president of the Senate, Eduardo Estrella (Dominicanos por el Cambio-National District) has said he favors the Penal Code be reviewed in depth by the senators.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
9 August 2021