Bicameral commission studying modification of the Social Security Law holds public hearing in La Vega

La Vega.- The Bicameral Commission of the National Congress that is studying the modification to Law 87-01, which creates the Dominican Social Security System, held its first public hearing this Friday in the province of La Vega, where representatives of various social and professional sectors were heard. The activity, held at the Universidad Católica del Cibao (UCATECI), was attended by delegates from the provinces of Monseñor Nouel and Sánchez Ramírez. The meeting was led by the president of the commission, deputy Rafael Castillo, who highlighted the importance of the regulations.

“We believe that the Social Security Law is, without fear of being mistaken, the most important after the Constitution. A modification to this law could not be made without the consensus of all citizens,” Castillo said in welcoming the attendees.

During the public hearing, different voices agreed in pointing out the urgency of changes in the system. José Luis Rodríguez, from the Dominican Association of Teachers (ADP), assured that currently those who benefit the most are the fund administrators, while workers feel limitations in health services and access to pensions.

You can also read: Bicameral Commission postponed public hearings

In the same vein, Luz del Alba Ovalle, also from the ADP, maintained that the contributions made by citizens do not correspond to the coverage received. "We contribute every month to the ARS and AFP, but the coverage does not reach 100%," she questioned. Citizen Orlando Aquino Roque emphasized that it is "imperative" to modify the law so that the benefits truly reach the people. For her part, Yerlin Gómez, representative of the Bar Association, warned that increasing the retirement age is not a viable solution, as it would be "denying workers their pension." According to Gómez, the real problem lies in the individual account model, which is insufficient to guarantee decent pensions. The Bicameral Commission will continue with the process of public hearings in different regions of the country, with the aim of gathering proposals and reaching consensus on the changes to Law 87-01.