OPINION: Respecting citizen rights

The national government has deployed multiple initiatives aimed at alleviating the economic burden on Panamanians, and at encouraging the flow of investments to strengthen post-pandemic recovery. A set of rules have established income tax or cadastral incentives and moratoriums, and the dates for filing returns or complying with payment arrangements have been extended. All of this is welcome; however, the state administration can do much more. For example, pay all suppliers who have already provided different entities, but their accounts fell into expired terms.

Another measure would be the automatic return of taxpayers’ credits for taxes paid in excess, and which the State takes considerable time to process. Perhaps the most responsible measure to fiscally stimulate the economy, and alleviate the cost of the pandemic, is nothing other than rationalizing public spending and defending every penny that belongs to Panamanians.

The population deserves that their sacrifices are respected and that their rights are defended – LA PRENSA, May 17