As usual, the Dominican congress is in the limelight, not for important services to the nation but for the chaos and trafficking of influence that characterize that body. The scandal of late revolves around the telecommunications bill approved in a rush by the Chamber of Deputies, then sent to the Senate where it was also passed. This bill is different from the one prepared by the Presidency in agreement with the affected businesses. As reported in the press, a clause whereby radio and TV frequency freeze (Law 902) is lifted, was included. This has caused the president of the Senate, Amable Aristy Castro, to request in a letter to president of the Chamber of Deputies, Hector Peguero, the return of the bill to the Senate for revision. Senator Ramón Alburquerque who admits to including the clause, says that it was done with the approval of the senators that voted the bill without a public reading. Senator Aristy originally requested the bill be sent back based on what he called "an involuntary error" of Senator Albuquerque, but then changed his tone to accuse the senator of falsifying the bill, responding to interests. It is important to note that today, 27 January is the last day when for congressional sessions before Congress breaks until 27 February. President Fernández has said he will veto the bill if passed by Congress. The Executive Branch plans to submit the consensus bill, prepared with the assistance of the United Nations, when the ordinary legislature opens on 27 February.
