Bill 643.

Summary.

The bill proposes establishing the National Decoration “Order of Belisario Porras Barahona” in commemoration of a three time president of the Republic. It describes the decoration as a tribute by the Panamanian people to his role in laying the foundations of the Republic and separates it from commemoration of the revolutionary events of October 11, 1968. The Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) would confer the decoration through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores).

It could be awarded to Panamanians who have rendered significant service to the country in the public or private sector, demonstrated civic virtues, attained notable scientific, literary, artistic or humanitarian merit, or performed heroic acts. The bill also allows it to be conferred on current and former heads of foreign states. Each award would be subject to the assessment of the Council of the Order, which would examine whether the proposed recipient merits the distinction.

The Council of the Order of Belisario Porras Barahona (Consejo de la Orden Belisario Porras Barahona) would consist of the ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture. The Minister of Foreign Affairs would chair it in the capacity of Chancellor of the Republic, while the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs would serve as its secretary. Council members could delegate their participation to another official from their respective ministries by resolution. The president of the Republic would hold the title of Grand Master of the Order by virtue of office.

The decoration would have four grades: Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer and Commander. Promotions within the Order would follow new positions attained by recipients in their careers or activities. Admission would require a written nomination in the candidate’s favor. The Council would consider a nomination only if it bore the endorsing signature of one of its members.

To determine the insignia, the Council would appoint a commission of three persons knowledgeable in the subject. They would form the jury responsible for selecting the shape and size of the badge for every grade, as well as the color and size of the ribbon and miniature. The bill would repeal Cabinet Decree No.132 of May 28, 1970 (DECRETO DE GABINETE NO.132 DE 28 DE MAYO DE 1970) in its entirety. It provides that the proposed law would take effect on the day following its promulgation.

Through its provisions on conferring and administering the Order, the bill concerns the ministries responsible for Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture, the Executive Branch and the Council of the Order of Belisario Porras Barahona. Its provisions could be of interest to people in the public and private sectors engaged in scientific, literary, artistic and humanitarian activities, as well as current and former heads of foreign states.