Panama legislators on a busmans holiday

MOST OF Panama’s legislators are avoiding attendance at their place of work, for which they are paid at least $7,000 a month, plus “entitlements” like gas allowance, the right to import cars duty free and any little bonuses they can accrue, like turkey's and hams for distribution to their voting constituents

The National Assembly started February much like it completed January, with a session marked by high absenteeism and little work.

Only 29 members attended the session, including 14 alternates. The rest were on the campaign trail, trying to ensure their return to “govern”.
Monday’s session took about 50 minutes, largely taken up by procedural matters although they did adopt a resolution mourning the death of former PRD Deputy Elizabeth de Quirós.
Deputy Yanibel Abrego presented a draft law that provides tax incentives for investments in Capira.
The proposal establishes an exemption from customs duties for the import of machinery, equipment, materials and supplies intended exclusively for work in projects in the area, specifically those related to tourism or agriculture.
It also provides tax benefits for companies hiring at least 10 workers.
After that the legislators left for lunch or to campaign.