Deputies from the Revolutionary Institutional Party (PRI) and the National Action Party (PAN) said that they will only authorize 150,000 pesos ($7,500) in Christmas bonuses if the process is transparent.
PRI Deputy Jorge Carlos Ramírez Marín and PAN Deputy Marko Cortés said that the money will be used to pay salaries and bonuses for people who work with the legislators, and that it will not be used for other purposes.
Both indicated that the use of the money needs to be transparent.
Ramirez Marín said that the Chamber of Deputies’ Administration Committee will analyze the issue.
“It is very clear to us that the final goal is the end of the year and especially the salary of personnel who are not in the Chamber of Deputies,” he said. “I think it needs to be revised by the Administration Committee. It’s not a gift for the deputies, but part of the compensation for their staff, including those who are not part of the Chamber. It’s every deputy’s responsibility what they want to do with their employees or constituents. But this way no deputy can say they didn’t have enough to pay their employees.”
Cortés said that PAN deputies are waiting for the Administration Committee’s decision. He added that they use the money to buy toys and blankets for needy people.
“It has to be completely clear and transparent to be approved,” he said. “The PAN gives toys to needy families, and blankets for people who live in cold places and we are also organizing parties around the country.”
The decision will be announced in the next few hours.
