In a session marked by heated debate, the Senate yesterday approved a bill authorizing the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to pay interest on overdue payments to construction companies for infrastructure work certificates not settled within contractual deadlines. The text, which received partial approval, estimates the interest amount at around US$100 million, out of a total government debt to the sector exceeding US$300 million.
The initiative, driven mostly by Cartismo lawmakers, also allows the MEF to make budgetary adjustments to ensure correct execution of payments in the corresponding fiscal year. During the clause-by-clause review, an article was added establishing that the law takes effect from fiscal year 2026.
Supporters of the bill argued that the lack of timely payment created economic and social tensions, affecting the payment chain in the construction sector and harming suppliers of materials, services, and labor, especially smaller ones. They also claimed that a liquidity injection is urgent, as several works are halted and many companies have gone bankrupt.
However, the proposal faced strong opposition. Senator Líder Amarilla of the PLRA lamented the absence of data and reports on the status of the works and questioned payment for projects without proof of completion or even existence. Senator Rafael Filizzola of the PDP called the text unconstitutional "from start to finish," stating that Congress cannot alter previously established contractual conditions. "Congress should not lend itself to these things; it is not the bureaucrats' backyard," he declared. Senator Yolanda Paredes of Cruzada Nacional also spoke out against the measure.
The bill was first discussed in an extraordinary session of the Finance Committee and then on the floor. With Senate approval, the proposal now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration.