SANTO DOMINGO— The Institutional Committee of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA) on Monday requested the new president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA)to ratify architect Emiliano Familia and engineer Nelson Colón as representatives of the association before the Executive Commission of Law No. 16-26, which mandates the payment of debts to contractors of state works.
In a communication addressed to architect George Richardson, the organization maintains that, according to information received, the appointment of both professionals was approved by the previous National Board of Directors and that it would not have been a personal or unilateral decision of the then president of the association, but a determination adopted institutionally.
He explained that, a week before the elections of the new CODIA authorities, the outgoing president signed a communication addressed to the president of the Executive Commission, in which the designation of Familia and Colón was recorded.
The entity explained that for several days the organization was informed that Richardson, who at that time held the General Secretariat of CODIA, had not signed said communication.
They are asking for clarification of what happened
The organization believes it is necessary for the current authorities to clarify what happened, because the absence of a signature should not be used to disregard an appointment that, according to the information they have, was approved by the competent body of the union.
“Respect for institutional decisions and administrative continuity must be placed above any personal or circumstantial differences,” the CIC stated on Monday, August 24.
The entity highlighted that Familia and Colón are very familiar with Law 16-26, its Operational Protocol, and the claims of contractors who have been managing the payment of outstanding debts for works carried out for the State for years.
They warn of a necessary presence
The CIC warned that the presence of experienced observers is even more necessary given the recent actions of the Executive Commission, which has begun to validate claims and adopt decisions that could modify the priorities announced during its first session.
Consequently, he requested the new National Board of Directors to formally ratify Familia and Colón and to communicate the decision without delay to the president of the Executive Commission of Law 16-26.
The organization stated that this measure would strengthen the institutional continuity of CODIA, prevent the process from being affected by personal or political interpretations, and guarantee an oversight body knowledgeable about the contractors' long struggle.
“The CIC is not requesting privileges or special positions. It is demanding that an institutional decision be respected and that CODIA exercise firm, technical, and transparent oversight in defense of its members,” he explained.
What does Law 16-26 say?
Law No. 16-26 of the Dominican Republic, enacted on May 1, 2026, creates a special commission in charge of reviewing, evaluating and validating debt claims for public works carried out with or without a formal contract, as well as managing payment to State contractors.
It is made up of the Minister of Finance and Economy, Magín Díaz, who presides over it; the Comptroller General of the Republic, Geraldo Espinosa Pérez; the Director of Budget, José Rijo Presbot, and Carlos Pimentel, Director of Public Procurement.
The members of the commission sanctioned fundamental decisions that are aimed at establishing the framework for the implementation of the aforementioned legislation and advancing in the recognition and payment of the State's debts to contractors covered by this regulation under transparency guidelines.
The legislation impacts contractors of works carried out for entities such as the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Education, National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (Inapa), National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (Indrhi), Corporation of the Aqueduct and Sewerage of Santo Domingo (Caasd), the former Office of Supervising Engineers of State Works (Oisoe) and other state institutions.
Recommended readings:
- They are asking the Treasury to give an account to Congress regarding payments to contractors
- CODIA will manage with the Treasury the formation of the commission planned for payment to contractors
- Relatives of 14 deceased contractors demand urgent payment of outstanding debts from the State
