Danilo wants more effort in work and greater solidarity

SANTO DOMINGO. Faced with the effects of the tax reform, which went into effect yesterday, President Danilo Medina called on the Dominican people to work harder in order to overcome the difficulties.

After taking part in a Mass for a Day of Peace in the cathedral, the President asked his fellow citizens to make more effort in their work and that they practice solidarity with "their brothers that have the least," in order to achieve what he considers "a better Dominican Republic for everyone."

Yesterday the increase in the Tax on the Transfer of Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS) from 16% to 18% went into effect as well as an 8% tax on sugar, coffee and edible oils. With its application the government pretends to collect some RD$13 billion more in 2013. With this point the tax reform and completely gone into effect.

Last November, the government issued Law 253-12 which is the tax reform, with which the government hopes to collect RD$45 billion in order to cover the fiscal deficit that is about RD$180 billion. This law, among other things, also increases from 7% to 15% the tax on alcoholic beverages. Over the Christmas holidays, the prices on most of the basic foodstuffs increased, including the family food basket.

Violence

Interviewed after the religious ceremony which was headed by Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, Medina also talked about the violence that is affecting the country.

Regarding this, the chief executive added his voice to the world wide call for peace that is being made by the Catholic Church, "We have to ask God to cover the hearts of Dominicans and have them renounce this state of violence that is doing so much damage to so many families," he said.

Trip

Today, at 8:00 in the morning, Medina will travel to Puerto Rico to assist at the inauguration of the new governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

He will leave from the Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Airport (El Higüero) on a private plane. He will return later in the afternoon.