Debate on National Assembly's Internal Reform Regulation Begins in Panama

The debate on the reform of the Organic Regulation of the Internal Regime of the National Assembly will begin this Wednesday in the Plenary, reported the president of the Legislative Branch, Jorge Herrera. The president of the National Assembly, Jorge Herrera, announced that today he will begin in the Plenary the debate on the reform of the internal regulation. On the other hand, Herrera indicated that this Wednesday the approval of two projects in third debate is expected, and that during the three weeks that the Plenary has been in session, about five initiatives have already been approved. They also have on the agenda issues such as the bioethanol law and reforms to public contracts. On January 2, during his speech for the installation of the second legislature of the second period of ordinary sessions, Herrera announced that the Assembly would focus on a profound reform of its internal regulation. Herrera detailed that among the main changes contemplated in the reform are the elimination of exemptions, the salary discount for deputies who are unjustifiably absent, as well as benefits related to postal and telephone franchises, among others. He added that the Committee on Credentials, Regulation, Parliamentary Ethics and Judicial Affairs will prioritize this issue, with the aim of promoting a transformation that allows for a better performance of the Legislature and contributes to strengthening citizen confidence. He added that they are pending the election of the Comptroller General of the Republic, the Defender of the People, and the designation of the magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal. The deputy explained that yesterday the different parliamentary blocs agreed that the discussion will be held in a permanent session, and they hope that the analysis of the document will advance smoothly.