We are in full legislative recess and again the MPs are in question. A report aired a few days ago in Meganews, released that the considerable sum of $62,234,096 million in foreign travel payments has been allocated for senators in 2019. Situation no less given how long we live.
That is why it did not cause strangeness that many have immediately gone out to criticize the Honourable, establishing to permanently eliminate a portion of their salary, due in part to the high pay they receive month by month, which has been in vogue since the social crisis which began on October 18. But to be honest, since much earlier.
The issue of not having travel for legislators abroad is not a new issue. A while ago in the Senate, an initiative was presented aimed at amending Supreme Decree No. 1 of 1991 of the Ministry of Finance, which signals the handing over to deputies and senators for the performance of service commissions.
However, beyond a timely and hot critique of the situation, the important thing is to clarify that the travel people do not give themselves up because, as a rule, resources must be handed over for legislative work.
Completely eliminating the travel saloons is not the way, as they are often absolutely necessary for the legislative work that is carried out abroad.
Similarly, the Council for Transparency (CPLT) quickly disclosed that the figures are regulated by decree, although as soon as possible more control or super-surveillance is needed, specifically from an autonomous body, which is “National Agenda for Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption” and is not contained in our regulations today.
Finally, the important parliamentary work of deputies and senators in their trips abroad should not be called into question. However, for the sake of transparency, greater regulation is essential, which will be a symbol for citizens, just when Parliament does not go through its best level of approval.
The content poured into this opinion column is the sole responsibility of its author, and does not necessarily reflect the editorial line or position of El Mostrador.
