Costa Rica News – It should be the goal of each and every Costa Rica citizen to become a park of the Costa Rican government if they can find a way to do so. Unfortunately, like most countries in the world those positions have been reserved for the rich and ruling class that try to keep it in the family….kind of like the mafia.
Each deputy in the Costa Rican government in entitled to 500 liters of fuel each month or about 132 gallons. To put this in perspective if they drive a car that has a 50 liter tank or 13 gallon tank, which is about average for a sedan, they can fill it up 10 times each month. However, most of these diplomats make sure they use all of this allocation by distributing it among their close friends, relatives or advisers.
The law of compensation of members of the Legislature allows congressmen have fuel discretion.
“Fuel is paid in kind (…), you can have that fuel the way that seems most appropriate. I use it for multiple activities, such as tours I perform or I give to a family member, a friend or employees, because it is my salary, “said Juan Carlos Mendoza, a member of the Citizen Action Party (PAC).
However, many legislators believe that the concept of “discretionary” as prescribed by law, allows them to use the money for fuel as well as purchase accessories for the car, the payment of washing and waxing and even the purchase of tires.
This perk of being a deputy in the Costa Rican government is equal to about 300,000 colones a month or about $600. That’s right as a deputy you will receive in gas each month about the average salary in Costa Rica. Remember though this is only reserved to the ruling class. If you are a teacher or work in a call center you will remain there and take your $600 a month total salary, even with a college degree.
This is just one of the many perks of being in the Costa Rican government. The base salary of around $2,000 a month is not that great but when you add in the country club membership, the gas, and so many of the other benefits you are living quite nicely.
Do not forget there is always the chance to misappropriate funds and not know where they went. Look at the border trail, there is no paper trail or clue where over $500,000 disappeared to. Also when governmental contracts come up they many times go to friends in family on the local level providing a kick back to the deputy.
If you are unethical and want to make money, government is where you need to be. This goes for not only Costa Rica but around the world.
