The National Assembly will proceed next week to examine in detail Bill 163, which seeks to reform the Social Security Fund and the Disability, Old Age, and Death program. The 368 proposed amendments presented during the second debate will be analyzed. It is expected that the articles will be reviewed one by one and it will be decided which modifications will be approved, considering the importance of this law for current and future Panamanians, particularly regarding the Retirement Age.
Regarding the possibility of raising the Retirement Age, the executive proposal from the CSS has indicated that it is not considered in the bill, thereby clearing up some doubts about it. Another relevant issue has been the replacement rate, initially set at 30%, but which could increase to 60% according to the new recommendations being considered. This would mean a significant change for Panamanian workers who expect to retire.
In the parliamentary debate, new amendment proposals have been introduced, despite the discussion being deemed concluded the week prior. Various articles of the internal regulations of the National Assembly, such as 186, 187, 188, and 245, have been used to address issues of challenge, appeal, and reasoned voting. These measures aim to achieve consensus and advance on such a complex issue as social security reform in Panama.
In summary, next week there will be a vote article by article on Bill 163, with numerous proposed amendments on the table. The discussion will focus on fundamental aspects such as the Retirement Age and the replacement rate, in an attempt to find solutions that benefit the Panamanian population.
