Spanish
Santo Domingo – The Senate of the Republic approved this Tuesday in first reading the organic bill that creates the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI), with the aim of establishing a legal framework for the national intelligence system and facing threats to the security of the State.
The initiative, presented by Senator Ricardo de los Santos Polanco, contemplates a modern and specialized structure capable of acting against terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, cyberattacks, corruption, arms trafficking, and irregular migratory flows, especially in border areas.
The project seeks to redefine the functions of the current National Department of Investigations and equip it with the necessary tools for more effective work, in accordance with Article 261 of the Constitution. It also proposes to safeguard the balance between the right to privacy, freedom of the press, and the protection of national security.
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Within its attributions, the DNI may investigate activities that represent threats to the constitutional order, the institutions of the State, or national interests; gather and process strategic intelligence; and assess both internal and external risks. In addition, it will coordinate actions against espionage, sabotage, and infiltration in critical infrastructures. The entity will also participate in counterintelligence tasks, the screening of immigration applications, and the fight against criminal networks, in coordination with other state agencies. In the same session, the Senate approved in first reading the project that declares Dajabón as an "Ecotourism Province", with the aim of promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in that border area. The proposal was submitted by the Chamber of Deputies, through legislator Daritza Felicidad Zapata Díaz. On the other hand, a Special Commission was formed to study the bill on work on digital transportation platforms, proposed by Senator Casimiro Antonio Marte. The commission will be chaired by Senator Guillermo Lama and composed of Rafael Duluc, Pedro Catrain, Santiago Zorrilla, María Mercedes Ortiz, Omar Fernández, Cristóbal Venerado and Eduard Alexis Espiritusanto.
