The Labor and Health Commission of the National Assembly of Panama unanimously approved the first block of Bill 163, which includes reforms to the Social Security Fund and the IVM program. The approval was achieved with the support of the nine deputies that make up the commission, and 7 new articles focused on governance and the administrative powers of the Board of Directors were included.
The approval process for this first block, which began 2 months and 14 days after the Executive sent it to the National Assembly, involved a period of national consultations to enhance the project. Alain Cedeño, president of the Commission, called for avoiding stress and pressures, emphasizing the importance of citizen support and the Assembly's work in seeking the best for the country.
On the other hand, Crispiano Adames Navarro emphasized the PRD's willingness to collaborate, but stressed the need for coherence in management, urging the Director of Social Security, Dino Mon, to handle the situation with caution. Likewise, CONUSI leader Marco Andrade requested that their proposals be considered for the second debate and highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the legislative process.
In the first block, 47 articles were consensually agreed upon, of which 7 are new and 11 remained as presented by the Executive. Topics related to governance, CSS investments, the Board of Directors, and administrative aspects were addressed. In this regard, Deputy Cedeño emphasized the importance of continuing to refine the project in the second debate, acknowledging that it is a process that requires time and reflection to achieve a law that benefits the population.
It is anticipated that in the coming days, the discussion of the second block of articles will continue, with the aim of further shaping the new law with the necessary modifications. The Commission will be working on the discussion of the second block, and it is expected that the necessary documents will be presented for consensus among the deputies and to advance the legislative process with transparency and responsibility.
