During this new period, about US$2.65 billion have been endorsed by the Comptroller General of the Republic in payments to state debts, money that will mobilize the country’s internal economy, President José Raúl Mulino reported during his weekly public conference.
“This shows that when there is a will, things can be done,” Mulino said to the fact that these payments were months behind. Mulino also said that the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) has exceeded a thousand inspections in the shops and also the number of inspectors to avoid tax evasion.
He said that these operations have given positive results, collecting about US$468,000 in fines for non-compliance. The president said that the operations will continue, to combat tax evasion.
The president also announced actions to reactivate the economy and generate jobs, including paying off the debt of US$200 million in Solidarity Bond Funds (FBS) inherited from the previous administration.
The president reported that he will seek mechanisms with the MEF, Miviot and the state bank to quickly cancel this debt, reactivate the construction industry and modify the Preferential Interest Law to benefit the most needy sectors.
At the same time, he highlighted the opening of the “Entrepreneur’s Space” in Panama and Colón as support for SMEs and the reduction of informality.
As for the Social Security Fund (CSS), the president defended the bill presented to solve the financial and medical care crisis of the entity. Mulino assured that the proposal is technical and sustainable, although he recognized the political cost it implies. He called on the National Assembly to act responsibly and avoid the politicization of the issue.
“I have already fulfilled my responsibility, Now, the Assembly has another great responsibility, they have the ball, the bat and the handle, I hope they play well,” he warned paradoxically.
Finally, Mulino pointed out the urgency of building new prisons in Colón, Azuero, Veraguas and Coclé to relieve overcrowding and guarantee decent conditions. He stressed that some structures will be of international standard, focusing on the most critical needs.