Julio Cesar Valentin, Reinaldo Pared in yesterday's session. Photo elnuevodiario.com.do
SANTO DOMINGO.- After yesterday’s test of the new electronic system that’ll be used in the process, National Assembly president Reinaldo Pared affirmed that everything is ready to start the reform of the Constitution.
The session is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Pared and Assembly vice president Julio Cesar Valentin agreed that the points of the reform which cause heated debates and those where there’s no consensus with the other political forces and government branches must be delayed.
They include the presidential re-election, the reform of the judicial branch, nationality and article 30 on the conception of life, a topic which has pitted the churches and some members of Congress.
However, the opposition PRSC party legislators don’t agree with this position and its spokesman, Ramon Rogelio Genao said none of the points in the agenda should be left for the end of the process, and instead should be debated until approval or rejection, position he said he’ll introduce in the Assembly session.
On abortion, Pared affirmed that it’s not a topic for a constitutional reform, rather the Penal Code, now being discussed in a special Chamber of Deputies commission headed by Jose Ricardo Taveras, of the pro-government FNP party. He said however that he prefers that article to remain as submitted by the Executive Branch.
On the estimated time needed to reform the constitution, Valentin said they haven’t set a deadline, but will work until they elaborate a new Constitution for the country.
The assembly members will start the session Tuesday afternoon once again debating some aspects of the regulation that’ll govern the works, on which the Senate introduced some changes.
Written by: Juango, 14 Apr 2009 7:46 AM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
Yes they are ready: "National Assembly president Reinaldo Pared affirmed that everything is ready to start the reform of the Constitution." These clowns are going to rewrite parts of the Constitution? They can't even decide what to do with Alejandro Williams ! These folks will never be ready to reform anything, till they all have gone through an intensive course on MORAL BEHAVIOR and RESPECT toward their fellow countrymen. This is a JOKE and what is funnier, the dominican public will allow it to happen ! From Banana Rep. to Failed State, just beautiful!
From: United States
Get ready for President (King) Leonel for life.
These clowns are going to vote!
It has already been predetermined by these clowns that Leonel will be King.
Written by: juanb, 14 Apr 2009 9:47 AM
From: Dominican Republic
Clowns are usually funny or entertaining. Our elected officials are neither. They are dishonest, greedy, and an embarrassment to honest hard working Dominicans.
Written by: Juango, 14 Apr 2009 10:20 AM
From: United States, far S. Florida (formerly Santo Domingo)
juanb, but they are...funny and entertaining.!! Unfortunately, they also set the pace for progress in the DR and the outlook of any/all future foreign investment in the country. How thay work and make decisions that affect the futures of all Dominicans in the DR, That is shameful. I can't understand how these Funcionarios sleep at night. Perhaps it is a sign of our times. Greed above all (just like the USA) ! Show me the MONEY !
From: United States, Fresh Water Paradise-NY Finger Lakes
The frequency of constitutional reforms is primary reason why the constitution of most LA and third world countries is devoid of value. The continuity of the US constitution is what gives it its immeasurable value and strength and makes it envy of rest of world. It is a sacred and respected document that singularly constitutes the bond that holds the country together. Its value is so deep that most people I know are willing to die fighting to preserve it.
I do not believe that some, if not most, of the individuals participating in the contemplated amendments comprehend and respect the meaning of this great document written with the blood of our forefathers; consequently, they are likely unfit to change it. There is one change, however, I would welcome: "stricter rules/conditions and referendums for amending our constitution".
Written by: caonabo, 14 Apr 2009 2:55 PM
From: United States
After the politicians get their say I believe there is going to be a national referendum. That's were the people should vote this down and make demands that will really reflect what the country needs.
Written by: DomVilla, 14 Apr 2009 4:33 PM
From: United States, Maryland
I remember my time at the University (UASD) around 1980 we used to have argument at Santiago Embassy every day closed to the (comedor universitario) Politic usually big topic on reference the future of the DR on hand of the PLD look bright, they used to say our organization is Marxist but not Leninista they try to separate theorist and practice our goal is get the power "Tactic and strategy" they mean we cannot show up Inside what we are since 1980 until 2009 now 29 year later I am confuse what the PLD want for the Dominican Republic, Leonel using the same scheme as Balaguer to stay on power forever, Mr. Pared was a profesor as law school I do not see any contribution for a new Republic.
From: United States
Dom I don't think anyone can see much of a political philosophy behind these parties, just opportunism.
Is it correct in general for sitting members of a government to rewrite an entire constitution? Shouldn't this be done via a convention of deputies and representatives convened STRICTLY for the cause?
From: Dominican Republic
I agree with most comments made. Most of these politicians are not historian nor economists nor professionals nor military officers nor business man nor they have any governing or administrating experience nor they are judges FOR THEM TO DECIDE and/or MODIFY THE CONSTITUTION!
It is phoney that someone mentioned the U.S. Constitution (also filled with amendments). The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guaranty the well being state of its citizen and yet the U.S. provides Social Security, Medicaid/care, Section 8, Food Stamps and other subzidies to its poor (by law).
In the DR Constitution, Article 8 mandates the guaranty well being of the Dominicans (education, health, living standards, etc.) and yet DR does not comply with Article 8.
From: Dominican Republic
I am afraid these prohaitian will reform the Constitution to legalize the children of the illegal foreigners in DR! Given the open border, disaster and complete displacement awaits DR!
Written by: agibus 
, 15 Apr 2009 10:31 AM
From: United States
letroudeballeGeneroso
Reform the Constitution has different vision Better control at boundary with Haiti.Legalise children is pro dominican Cos' future is to have the island Hispanola under dominican influence. know in Haiti those children make a difference in hatien mentality .Hope give them education.and in two generations after their children will run this neighbor country. Big housing project is started in the border and lake region.It's a haitian-dominican and dominican partnership.
Written by: agibus , 15 Apr 2009 11:22 AM
From: United States
Reform in Constituton is important in the new era .DR needs a lot of actualisation in institutions
Mixt of europeean and american systems.Cuba will be the big market after stopping american embargo.Haitian consumers represent a large market (631,14 millions in 2008)and DR has to consider more opportunities in this country.In 1990 Balaguer government had a Hispanola project after signature of Lome convention (now Cotonu Accord)unilateral commerce and Europeean cooperation.Hope in Haiti they reform their nonsens constitution.
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These clowns are going to vote!
It has already been predetermined by these clowns that Leonel will be King.
I do not believe that some, if not most, of the individuals participating in the contemplated amendments comprehend and respect the meaning of this great document written with the blood of our forefathers; consequently, they are likely unfit to change it. There is one change, however, I would welcome: "stricter rules/conditions and referendums for amending our constitution".
Is it correct in general for sitting members of a government to rewrite an entire constitution? Shouldn't this be done via a convention of deputies and representatives convened STRICTLY for the cause?
It is phoney that someone mentioned the U.S. Constitution (also filled with amendments). The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guaranty the well being state of its citizen and yet the U.S. provides Social Security, Medicaid/care, Section 8, Food Stamps and other subzidies to its poor (by law).
In the DR Constitution, Article 8 mandates the guaranty well being of the Dominicans (education, health, living standards, etc.) and yet DR does not comply with Article 8.
letroudeballeGeneroso
Reform the Constitution has different vision Better control at boundary with Haiti.Legalise children is pro dominican Cos' future is to have the island Hispanola under dominican influence. know in Haiti those children make a difference in hatien mentality .Hope give them education.and in two generations after their children will run this neighbor country. Big housing project is started in the border and lake region.It's a haitian-dominican and dominican partnership.
Reform in Constituton is important in the new era .DR needs a lot of actualisation in institutions
Mixt of europeean and american systems.Cuba will be the big market after stopping american embargo.Haitian consumers represent a large market (631,14 millions in 2008)and DR has to consider more opportunities in this country.In 1990 Balaguer government had a Hispanola project after signature of Lome convention (now Cotonu Accord)unilateral commerce and Europeean cooperation.Hope in Haiti they reform their nonsens constitution.