The president of the Honduran Congress, Juan Orlando Hernández, reiterated today that members of Congress will no longer be allowed to exercise dispensas -- the privilege of importing items such as vehicles duty free. "It is difficult for them to give up their privileges, but the damages caused by [these privileges] surpass their benefits," said Mr. Hernández. Congress approved a measure on March 18, 2010 eliminating the use of dispensas by its members, given recurring accusations that they were sometimes used for personal gain rather than official business. All the representatives except Liberal Congressman from the department of Choluteca Juan Carlos Martínez voted in favor of the legislation. During the last Congress, approximately 20 dispensas were used by representatives. Mr. Hernández stated that Congress intends to review dispensas granted to companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure that they are not being abused. (7/28/10) (photo of Juan Hernández courtesy Internet)
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Honduras' dispensazo scandal
http://lagringasblogicito.blogspot.com/2010/07/honduras-dispensazo-scandal.html
Additional, it has been reported that at least 128 vehicle dispensas have been issued fraudulently by businessmen, politicians, and NGOs.