Diario Libre publishes an advertisement today with a news story by controversial journalist Marino Zapete whereby he mentions that TV producer Julio Hazim received RD$4.2 billion and US$23 million loans from Baninter with no collateral whatsoever. The loans are part of the so-called ?Baninter hole,? caused primarily by lack of adequate government banking supervision. The excesses allowed in banking operations have been levied on Dominican taxpayers in the form of higher taxes and inflation. According to Zapete, documents from the Central Bank show that Hazim has requested the condoning of 70% of the loans. The funds were in part invested in the large medical center, Centro Medico Internacional (INCE) located in the Naco area and whose construction has not continued. Writes Zapete: ?But the greatness and the street-smart character (tigueraje) of Julito does not rest in his benefiting from the RD$4 billion and US$23 million in Baninter depositor funds without signing contracts or without guarantees. His most daring feat is to appear everyday on TV projecting an image as an honest and independent news commentator.?
?Everyday, Hazim, held by the trust of Hipolito Mejia and his PPH, sits before the TV cameras to criticize and tell others what to do, comment on what has been done right for wrong. I call that to be a daredevil (cachazudo),? he writes.
He wonders until when Julito Hazim will find a way to continue to be included among Dominican society?s so-called ?honorable? people. ?Meanwhile, the eight million fools that live in this part of the island have to pay for the RD$4 billion and US$23 million that he received from Baninter? Until when will things be like that?? he writes. To contact the writer, email him at mzapete@yahoo.es