President Laura Fernández has defended amendments made to a bill aimed at combating fuel theft. The changes, proposed by Congressman José Miguel Villalobos of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO), lessen the scope and penalties outlined in bill 25.206. Fernández justified the modifications, though details of her reasoning were not immediately released. The original bill sought to reform existing legislation regarding fuel theft, aiming for stricter punishments. Villalobos’s amendments have sparked debate regarding the appropriate response to rising fuel theft incidents. Critics argue the softened penalties will undermine efforts to deter criminal activity, while supporters claim they offer a more balanced approach. The bill is now subject to further legislative review following these adjustments.