politics

Action delayed on tax

Legislators were unable to vote on a proposal to reduce income taxes for people earning between $800 and $2,500 per month yesterday because they lacked a quorum.

As legislators were preparing to vote on the Programa de Apoyo al Consumidor (PAC) for a second time, opposition members blocked the action by requesting the verification of a quorum. There were only 25 legislators present at the meeting, including substitutes, while 40 members are required to establish a quorum.

Asamblea Nacional President Pedro Miguel González asked for a recess and will take up the issue when the group meets on Monday.

The proposal, which has been heavily promoted by President Martín Torrijos, received initial approval on April 17 with some changes to the preferential interest rate for some mortgages.