Government spokesperson addresses appointment of Advisors

Santo Domingo.- Homero Figueroa, the Government spokesperson, reassured the public on Thursday regarding the appointment of advisors within various ministries and general directorates. He clarified that individuals occupying advisory roles have been designated due to bureaucratic intricacies with the Ministry of Public Administration (MAP).

When questioned by the press, Figueroa emphasized that these individuals are actively engaged in their roles and responsibilities, despite the bureaucratic challenges. He expressed hope for a swift resolution to this administrative issue.

“It’s a matter of fact that these individuals hold managerial positions, albeit with a title of ‘advisor’ due to bureaucratic hurdles with the MAP. However, they are actively fulfilling their duties. They are actively working and contributing,” stated Figueroa.

Recent media reports, including one from Panorama, highlighted the names and salaries of numerous government advisors following the issuance of a resolution by the MAP aimed at regulating advisor appointments within the Executive Branch. The resolution aims to rationalize and enhance transparency in the public payroll system.

Resolution 184-2024 stipulates that Executive Branch institutions may appoint a maximum number of advisors equivalent to the number of vice ministries, general or national subdirectorates, mayors, subadministrations, or equivalents within their organizational structure.

These measures align with various laws including the National Development Strategy Law 1-12, Public Administration Organic Law 247-12, Public Function Law 41-08, Budget for the Public Sector Organic Law 423-06, and the Dominican State Salary Regulation Law 105-13.

The substantial salaries received by these advisors have faced criticism from several sectors of civil society, with concerns raised regarding the justification for these salaries and their perceived redundancy.