German defends millionaire politicians

[NewsWhore]

Education Minister Alejandrina German is defending the country's millionaire politicians who she says have acquired their fortunes legally, and questions why the Department for Corruption Prevention would release the worth statement of government officers at this time. German said that the point isn't how much a person has but how a person acquired their fortune. She did however acknowledge the existence of corrupt politicians but said that any questioning should be left to the judiciary system. German, who was on the list, used herself as an example and said that before the PLD came into power in 1996 she purchased a house that was valued at RD$1,775,000. Richard Martinez, the head of the Santo Domingo Water Authority (CAASD), is denying reports that he is worth RD$126 million as was reported. He says that he is actually worth RD$58.7 million and that the erroneous figure was due to the fact that authorities included debts that he has and properties that are worth more than RD$32.5 million. Yesterday DR1 published a list of the country's richest politicians and the value of their fortunes. Among those on the list were Victor Diaz Rua, the director of the National Potable Water Institute (INAPA) at RD$158 million and Richard Martinez, the head of the Santo Domingo Water Works (CAASD) at RD$126 million. Alma Fernandez, director of the National Housing Institute (INVI) reported RD$36.9 million. Customs director Miguel Cocco reported RD$35 million. Ministers claiming personal wealth of less than RD$23 million included Jimenez in Agriculture (RD$22.9 million), Lantigua in Culture (RD$20 million), Aquino Garcia in the Armed Forces (RD$15.5 million), Vicente Bengoa in Hacienda (RD$13.7 million), Max Puig in Environment (RD$13.5 million). President Leonel Fernandez has RD$16 million.

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