TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Public concern has mounted following rumors that Taiwan's Executive Yuan (行政院), the island's cabinet, decided against distributing a proposed NT$10,000 (approximately US$340) cash payment to citizens. Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤), caucus whip for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), attempted to quell speculation Friday (July 18), emphasizing that government officials continue to deliberate the matter without reaching a final decision. Wu pointed out that no special bill addressing the payment has yet been submitted to the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament.
Wu admonished legislators against interfering with the cabinet's decision-making process while calling on parliament to examine what she described as its own pattern of unconstitutional and illegal conduct. The DPP whip warned about potential financial implications of the proposed cash distribution, noting it would require the government to borrow NT$101.4 billion (approximately US$3.45 billion) and potentially burden future generations with debt. She urged her fellow ruling party members to weigh these long-term consequences carefully before proceeding with the popular but costly measure.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), who heads Taiwan's cabinet, had addressed the contentious issue in public remarks a day earlier. The premier characterized the proposed NT$10,000 (approximately US$340) distribution as fundamentally illegal and unconstitutional under current law. "Should we be forced to do something unconstitutional and unlawful?" Cho asked rhetorically, highlighting the legal and ethical complexities surrounding what has become a politically charged economic policy debate. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.371)
