Two of the candidates for senators met in a virtual encounter and expressed their support for Bitcoin. They believe that the community must participate in creating regulations on crypto assets.
Colombia is currently in the framework of the legislative elections to choose new members of Congress on March 13th. In that regard, the candidates for the Senate recently participated in a virtual debate organized by non-profit organization Asoblockchain.
Edward Rodríguez, from the Centro Democrático (Democratic Center) party, and Didier Carrillo, from the Colombia Justa Libre (Free Fair Colombia) and Mira (Look) coalition expressed their opinions. Both candidates agreed that a priority to advance the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the country is establishing a non-punitive regulatory framework.
They stated that the laws must be clear and adapt to the reality of the market not to affect its dynamics, encouraging entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
Mauricio Toro, who received an invitation to the virtual encounter, is a candidate for Partido Verde (Green Party). The Colombian Bitcoin community knows him as being one of the primary promoters of a bill to regulate the cryptocurrency in the country. However, it has encountered some obstacles and is still waiting to become law.
Congress Must First Enact the Law
The candidates talked about their bill proposals in the blockchain area and the economy of cryptocurrencies.
Rodríguez said he was a promoter of blockchain-based technologies and their use in public administration. He promised to evaluate the cryptocurrency sector, identifying operating companies and their characteristics if he won the elections.
He stated that he would create forums in various regions and work with experts to develop a regulation. He explained that the rules would contemplate possible sanctions for illegal activities without affecting the market.
Carrillo broadly supports that view, admitting he has been an investor in cryptocurrencies for several years, so he knows their economic benefits. He added that the regulation on blockchains and cryptocurrencies should contemplate education about those technologies at schools and universities.
He considers that all investors and entrepreneurs in the cryptocurrency sector must work together to solve social problems. Besides, he believes that the Colombian State is placing impediments through the rules they have issued to the operation of the industry.
The Candidates Discuss the Collection of Taxes for Transactions with Bitcoin
Rodríguez and Carrillo talked about the measure that will enter into force in April. Bitcoin users will have to notify transactions greater than USD 150 (COP 590 thousand) to the Information and Financial Analysis Unit (UIAF).
Carrillo expressed his strong rejection, considering there is still no clear legal basis for this ecosystem. He believes that most senators have that sanctioning attitude because they do not know what trading is or how that technology works.
The candidate for the Senate said he disagreed with placing an impediment to a non-regulated activity. He considers that Congress must first sanction a law that establishes the regulatory framework. He told Colombian senators that not everyone investing in cryptocurrencies is washing assets or committing crimes.
Both candidates agree that the new members of the House of Representatives should not postpone the subject of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. He highlighted that they would be part of the Colombian Congress for four years.
By Alexander Salazar
