State-owned bank chief has yet to file his statement

Santo Domingo.- President Danilo Medina’s officials were designated seven weeks ago and law 82-79 stipulates they must file their financial statements within 30 days after assuming their posts.

But Vicente Bengoa, after one month and 13 days since being confirmed as director of the Reservas Bank has yet to submit his list of assets, for which he risks not just having his salary withheld, but also being reprimanded.

National Treasury reports that 306 officials had filed as of yesterday, although the list doesn’t include the first lady Candida Montilla or National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) President Rolando Rosado.

Article four of the law provides that in case of violation, the Treasury should refrain from paying the salaries of officials who have not complied with the provision to declare their assets upon default and can be reprimanded by his superior.

Other officials yet to file are National Social Security Fund (CNSS) manager Rafael Perez Modesto, Economic Cafeterias director Ramón María Rodríguez (Monchy).and itinerant minister for regional integration, Miguel Mejia.

Also on the verge on violating the law are the managers of the electricity distribution companies, Julio Cesar Correa, Edenorte, Hipolito Nunez, Edesur and Luis Ernesto de Leon, Edeeste.

Moreover, 23 provincial governors have yet to comply, since only eight of the 31 have filed, according to the Treasury.