ACT 結果共273筆

The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration warns the public that heated tobacco products have the same nicotine content and addictiveness as traditional tobacco, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s report revealed that marketing strategies used by heated tobacco businesses may mislead consumers into thinking these products are less harmful. Rats exposed to aerosols from a single heated tobacco stick had nicotine concentration in their blood 4.5 times higher than those exposed to traditional tobacco smoke. Nicotine not only leads to addiction but also causes harm to attention, learning, mood control, impulse control, pregnant women, and developing embryos. Heated tobacco emissions contain harmful and carcinogenic substances, putting the body at risk. Data does not support the idea that substituting traditional tobacco with heated tobacco reduces health risks. Tobacco companies use misleading marketing tactics to lure consumers, claiming lower health risks and reduced secondhand smoke and odor. It is important to note that no heated tobacco products are currently approved for sale in Taiwan, and their manufacturing, importation, selling, supplying, display, advertising, and usage are prohibited under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih confronts Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te on his stance regarding the death penalty in Taipei. The debate intensifies following a recent school tragedy, with demands for law amendments and student safety improvements.

Taipei Ministry of Labor warns employers to be vigilant for sexual harassment during year-end parties. Employers must prevent workplace harassment and take immediate remedial action. The Gender Equality in Employment Act applies if an employee experiences harassment at a gathering hosted by the employer. Employers are responsible for preventing harassment, even if no formal complaint is made. Reminding staff about professional boundaries is advised.

Taiwan is preparing for its national elections on January 13, which has been declared a ＂holiday＂ under the Labor Standards Act. Employers are required to give workers with voting rights a day off and maintain their regular pay. If employers insist on having employees work on election day, they must provide double pay for attendance hours and cannot prevent workers from voting. The elections will determine the 16th President and Vice President of Taiwan, as well as the 11th Legislative Yuan. No additional leave is granted if the voting day falls on a worker’s regular day off. Violations of these regulations may result in fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$1 million, in addition to wage compensation. Workers whose rights are compromised can file complaints with the local labor administrative authority.

The Central Election Commission in Taiwan announces a comprehensive ban on publicizing, discussing, or referring to poll data in the lead-up to the General Election, aiming to ensure fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.

In this story, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih expresses disapproval of foreign influence in Taiwan’s elections during a presidential debate. Hou criticizes the Anti-Infiltration Act and the potential politicization of the judiciary. He accuses Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chao Tien-lin of pro-China bias without legal consequences and hints at undisclosed reception from Chinese authorities during Lai Ching-te’s visit to mainland China in 2017. Hou questions the DPP’s double standards and openly scrutinizes Lai, demanding their stance on U.S. disapproval of Taiwan’s independence. He labels Lai as a ＂pragmatic worker of Taiwan independence.＂

As Taiwan’s elections approach, voter concerns over low wages and the Labor Insurance Fund’s bankruptcy are at the forefront. Labor groups criticize major parties for inadequate labor reforms, with a focus on enhancing labor rights and wages.

因應歐盟「數位市場法（Digital Markets Act, DMA)」的上路，蘋果被迫將開放iPhone側載功能，近日外媒表示除了歐洲市場之外，日本也有意跟進，擬透過提案立法，牽制科技巨頭在日本市場主導地位的濫用。

The Minister of Education, Pan Wen-chung, has announced measures to ensure school safety following a brutal throat-slitting incident at a New Taipei City school. Premier Chen Chien-jen has directed the education ministry to provide psychological aid for students and staff, as well as enhance personnel and funding. Representatives from the Judicial Yuan, six municipalities, civil organizations, teachers, and parents will collaborate to prevent future tragedies. The government plans to reevaluate counseling and assessment mechanisms in intermediary education. Additionally, the potential addition of security staff in schools is being discussed. The assailant student has been detained, and the investigation will proceed according to the Juvenile Justice Act.

The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, expressed doubt over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s claim that his election would reduce the risk of a cross-strait war. Chen highlighted the contradiction in Lai’s stance as a supporter of Taiwanese independence while believing his presidency would mitigate tensions. Chen emphasized the international consensus to uphold the One China principle and maintain peace. Lai dismissed claims that supporting him meant war as Chinese propaganda and argued that his policy aligns with international norms. Chen countered by citing the success of the ＂One Country, Two Systems＂ formula in Hong Kong. Chen also addressed investigations into bureau chiefs suspected of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and concerns over Taiwanese living in China being unable to return to vote due to a recent outbreak. He expressed concern that if the DPP authorities deprived Taiwanese living in China of their voting rights, it would expose their autocratic and non-democratic character to the world.

In 2021, approximately 664,000 Taiwanese taxpayers received disability deductions and 354,000 received long-term care deductions from their individual income tax, in accordance with the rules of the ＂Income Tax Act.＂ The total deductions for disability and long-term care amounted to NT$137.4 billion and NT$42.5 billion, respectively. Since 2014, the number of households benefiting from disability deductions has exceeded 600,000, reaching 635,000 in 2021. The income tax reform in 2018 increased the disability deduction to NT$200,000, resulting in a rise from NT$89.1 billion in 2017 to NT$135.2 billion, with subsequent years remaining around NT$138 billion. Starting from 2019, individuals could deduct up to NT$120,000 for long-term care. By 2021, a total of NT$42.5 billion was deducted, benefiting 330,000 households, which accounted for 5.1% of all reporting households. Over the past five years, the number of individuals benefiting from disability deductions ranged from 664,000 to 698,000, representing 55.2% to 59.6% of all disabled Taiwanese. The number of individuals benefiting from long-term care deductions has been increasing annually for the past three years, with 336,000, 350,000, and 354,000 people, respectively. The beneficiaries of the long-term care 2.0 service also experienced an increase, from 389,000 in 2019 to 554,000 in 2021, indicating an improvement in the capabilities of the long-term care service.

Taipei City plans to install four more traffic enforcement cameras at intersections starting from January 1, 2024, to maintain traffic order. The new technology will assist in enforcing traffic regulations, including stopping for pedestrians, obeying traffic lights, making proper turns, and following traffic signal directions. Violations captured by the cameras will be penalized under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. Since 2019, Taipei has already installed such cameras in 34 areas, resulting in over a 90% decrease in traffic violations according to the Traffic Division’s data. The introduction of tech-based traffic enforcement aims to reduce violations and ensure smooth traffic flow, with the authorities urging drivers to prioritize traffic safety. These additional installations are expected to contribute to safer road conditions in the city.

Pesticide residue 60 times over the standard limit was found in green peppers at Nara Thai Cuisine in Taichung, according to the city’s Office of Food and Drug Safety. The investigation targeted popular dining businesses and specialty restaurants recommended by the media and online personalities, including those recommended by Michelin Guides and food shows. The office tested 48 food product samples and detected 0.6 ppm of pesticide (Profenofos) in the green peppers, which is 60 times the permissible limit of below 0.01 ppm. Authorities have demanded the restaurant to cease using the batch of green peppers and will transfer the case for further investigation. The restaurant could face fines ranging from NT＄60,000 to NT＄200 million under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, while farmers inappropriately using pesticides can be fined from NT＄15,000 to NT＄150,000.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je vows to promote international sports events, including the 2038 Asian Games and the Olympics, if elected. He recognizes the connection between sports and national power and highlights Taiwan’s top athletes. Ko also proposes career planning guidance and specific examinations for sports personnel, as well as the establishment of a National Sports Development Fund and revision of the Sports Industry Development Act. He plans to increase the budget for the national training center, improve support teams, and promote physical fitness nationwide. Ko aims to develop e-sports and align it with global standards, while advocating for education reforms and cultivating high-tech talents.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential contender Hou Yu-ih criticizes the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP’s) past claims about the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and cross-strait communication. He questions the DPP candidate’s analogy of ＂three links＂ and direct flights to a ＂Trojan horse leading to a massacre＂ and challenges the Agriculture Minister’s role in Chinese approvals for Taiwan’s grouper fish export. Hou argues that unresolved quarantine issues could harm Taiwanese farmers and suggests direct negotiations with China. He also criticizes Lai’s ＂Taiwan independence＂ stance, claiming it lacks practical understanding of cross-strait relations. If elected, Hou promises to continue ECFA negotiations to reduce China’s tariffs on Taiwan’s industries. He believes that adhering to the Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between Taiwan and China will maintain peace between the straits.

Students in Tucheng Precinct of New Taipei City Police Department who are found with harmful weapons like knives will face legal consequences under the Criminal Code of the Republic of China, Social Order Maintenance Act, and Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, a student named Kuo and a girl named Lin were arrested on suspicion of instigating a serious crime, and they are currently being investigated for an attempted murder case. They have been sent to a juvenile court for trial. Kuo, accused of slashing the throat of a classmate named Yang, has been detained, while Lin has been held responsible. In response to the incident, Tucheng police and the school have increased patrols on campus and provided psychological counseling for students who witnessed the event.

U.S. President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2024 NDAA), which includes a comprehensive training program for Taiwan’s military. The program aims to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and will be overseen by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The legislation, which has received approval from both houses of the U.S. Congress, allocates a total of US＄886 billion for this purpose. The training program will focus on layered defense, asymmetric defense strategies, cross-communication between the U.S. and Taiwan’s military, information sharing, and the improvement of professional military education and civilian control over the military. Additionally, the act emphasizes collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on military cyber security and requires regular updates on Taiwan arm sales proceedings. It also mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit biannual reports to Congress on the military developments of the People’s Republic of China, particularly in areas such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea, covering topics such as weapon upgrades, procurement, and military operations.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu highlights her legislative achievements during her 412-day tenure in the Legislative Yuan. She proposed 15 bills, hosted five public hearings, and three symposiums. Notable bills include amendments to the Central Bank Act, the Social Medical Development Act, and the Assisted Reproduction Act, reflecting her dedication to improving Taiwan’s financial stability, healthcare system, and reproductive health policies. Wu believes that her policy platform will be built upon these legislative proposals as she prepares for the upcoming televised policy presentation and debate. The vice-presidential TV policy presentation is scheduled for December 22, 2024, while the debate will take place on January 1, 2024, as the 2024 elections approach.

DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te addressed the disputes surrounding his illegally constructed family property in Wanli, emphasizing that houses like his can apply for retroactive legalization through proper procedures. Lai argued that the house in question was built in 1958, before the implementing of the Mining Act in 1963 and the Regional Plan Act in 1981, making it legally established. He criticized the government’s mishandling of responsibilities following the cessation of mining rights, which made it difficult for residents in mining areas to repair their homes. Lai believes that the property can undergo procedural rectification to attain legal status. He compared his property to other high-profile constructions to clarify its scale and value. Lai expressed his commitment to transparency and rallied unity within the DPP, expressing confidence in their victory in the upcoming elections.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed an amendment to the House Tax Act, known as the ＂House Hoarding Tax 2.0,＂ raising the tax rate for non-owner-occupied housing to a range of 2 to 4.8 percent, up from the current range of 1.5 to 3.6 percent. The tax rates will apply nationally to all properties owned by individuals and will be implemented by July 2025. Local governments will set their tax rate discrepancies based on the total number of residential properties owned nationwide. The amendment was approved in the Legislative Yuan session following negotiations among the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), with dissent from the New Power Party (NPP).

Eslite Xinyi Store, an iconic cultural institution in Taipei, set a new record with 53,000 visitors in a single day, surpassing New Year’s Eve crowds. The 18-year-old bookstore is closing its doors on December 24th, prompting a ＂Farewell Tour＂ exhibition showcasing its most-sold books and precious images. A final celebration on the closing day will feature a dance act by Billy Chang, an outdoor farewell concert with renowned artists, and a countdown with Chairman Wu Min-chieh. The legacy of the 24-hour bookstore will continue at Eslite Songyan Store, tripling its book volume, offering over 100,000 products, and introducing cultural spaces like a record store, cinema, performance hall, art gallery, and wine cellar.

The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act, imposing stricter penalties for firearms offenses in public spaces. Offenders firing standard-issue firearms in or towards public areas could face a minimum of seven years in prison and fines of up to NT＄15 million. Discharging non-standard firearms in public venues may result in sentences ranging from five to twelve years and fines of up to NT＄10 million. The amendments also address loopholes by adjusting the terms for those confessing or turning themselves in, allowing judges to decide on leniency based on each case’s specifics. These revisions aim to combat gun-related crimes and strengthen social safety and order.

The Taiwan Presidential Office expresses gratitude for the United States’ commitment to Taiwan’s security, as demonstrated by a new $300 million arms sale. The move deepens the U.S.-Taiwan security partnership and aims to ensure peace, stability, and prosperous development in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan will continue to enhance its national defense autonomy and uphold democratic values.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has denied media reports questioning the past nationality of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim. The CEC requested verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior regarding the nationality status of presidential candidates, and found no records of nationality restoration or naturalization for Hsiao. The CEC emphasized that all candidates met the legal requirements without holding foreign nationality, as determined by the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act. The doubts raised about Hsiao’s nationality were deemed beyond the CEC’s legal mandate, preventing further investigation.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received formal notification from the U.S. government about the sale of tactical information systems worth approximately US＄300 million. This arms deal, the twelfth from the Biden administration to Taiwan since 2021, demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense needs. MOFA expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s continued fulfillment of its security commitments in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The sale includes equipment, training, and technical support, which will enhance Taiwan’s national defense and deterrence capabilities. MOFA reiterated Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, safeguard its territory, and preserve its democratic and free way of life in the face of China’s military expansion and provocation. The foreign ministry also emphasized the deepening security partnerships with the U.S. to uphold a rules-based international order and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.