9th legislative session gets underway in Taiwan

2016/02/24

The ninth ROC Legislature commenced Feb. 19 in Taipei City, with ruling and opposition lawmakers starting work on key bills shaping the nation’s future.

A total of 34 pieces of legislation is prioritized for deliberation by the majority Democratic Progressive Party. These include civil rights, cross-strait relations, disaster prevention and rescue, handover of the presidency, income tax reform and long-term care.

Legislator Ker Chien-ming, who doubles as DPP caucus whip, said the cross-strait agreement supervisory act will be debated and reviewed under the framework of the ROC Constitution.

Acts regarding political parties and disposal of party assets are also set for deliberation. Legislator Chen Ting-fei of the DPP and also caucus secretary-general said the bills are broadly based and aimed at promoting transparency.

The 113-seat Legislature comprises 68 lawmakers from the DPP, 35 from the KMT, five from the New Power Party, three from the People First Party and the rest independents. It is the first time the DPP has enjoyed a majority in the nation’s top lawmaking body.

Legislator Lai Shyh-bao, who doubles as KMT caucus whip, said the party is focusing on 32 bills spanning disaster mitigation, environmental protection, food safety, long-term care and policies set for implementation by the Cabinet during the presidential handover.

These bills have great bearing on the public and should take priority during the session, Lai said. The KMT sees no need for a specific act on the transition of power, but has no objection to the bill on disposing party assets, he added.

NPP Secretary-General Chen Hui-min said the party is committed to promoting transitional justice through such bills as expanding civil rights and ensuring the rights of the indigenous peoples.

The NPP is proposing its own bill pertaining to the handover of the presidency, and is working on a series of amendments related to legislative reform.

Chen said although the NPP is in favor of enacting specific laws governing political parties and disposal of party assets, it needs to take a close look at the DPP legislation before voicing support.

The current legislative session ends May 31, but may be extended subject to need and party negotiations.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242419&ctNode=2194&mp=9)