Employees of high salaries at the Institute of Technology of the Americas (ITLA) transfer monthly the 5% of their salary to Young Ones for Change, the political movement founded by their rector, Rafael Féliz García. Documents, testimonies, and bank statements confirm these practices, which affect around 300 members within the 655 fixed employees of the institution.
The ITLA, the only technological education center in the country, manages a budget of 1.2 billion pesos for 2025, with a monthly payroll exceeding 25.8 million. Féliz García has directed the entity since July 17, 2024, after being Minister of Youth. The contributions, made just after the payroll deposit, range from 3,000 to 12,000 pesos, depending on the level of high salaries of technicians, assistants, secretaries, and mid-to-high-level officials, ranging from 50,000 to 190,000 pesos.
Internal Pressures due to High Salaries Contributions
During Christmas, the percentage rises to 10% for movement activities. A colored list system —green for compliers, red for latecomers— monitors payments. Internal sources report that those who do not contribute face obstacles in salary increases, promotions, permissions, and stricter administrative controls.
In February 2025, a list with 42 names of contributors was photographed in a bathroom at ITLA and shared in an institutional WhatsApp group. Ramón Winston Paulino Sánchez, Coordinator of Rectoría and Executive Director of the movement —with a salary of 180,000 pesos—, asked to handle the matter internally.
Legal Framework Questions Deductions of High Salaries
Laws that Prohibit these Practices
The Law 41-08 of Public Function prohibits obliging public servants to political activities or salary deductions. The Law 33-18 of Political Parties declares voluntary contributions illicit. The Dominican Constitution rejects the use of public positions for private political purposes.
- Affected Employees: Technicians and officials with high salaries of 50,000-190,000 pesos.
- Contributions: 5% monthly, 10% in December.
- Consequences: Control lists and labor limitations.
Official Response Limited
The ITLA described the contributions as spontaneous and social, without granting a direct interview to the rector. The Instagram account of Young Ones for Change was made private. Background shows that Féliz García promoted scholarships and technological expansion at ITLA, but this case raises doubts about the separation between public and political matters.
Experts in public function highlight that these practices, common in Dominican state institutions, have led to previous investigations by the General Comptroller. The case of high salaries at ITLA urges review by competent bodies to ensure transparency.
