TPP accuses Premier Cho of malfeasance over budget

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) legislative caucus said Sunday it will move to reconsider the central government's general budget on Tuesday and report Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for alleged malfeasance.

TPP Deputy Caucus Whip Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) accused Cho of "crossing a red line" by refusing to allocate funds to raise salaries for military personnel and increase pensions for police and firefighters.

He told reporters Cho's decision "not to include a single cent" in the budget for measures that had already been passed by the Legislative Yuan and promulgated by the president "clearly constitutes malfeasance and illegality."

Chang also criticized Cho for saying the government would wait for the Constitutional Court's ruling before implementing the measures, calling the remark "proof that he is a legal illiterate who is deliberately violating the law."

"The Executive Yuan may request a constitutional interpretation," Chang said. "But before the Constitutional Court makes its decision, it must still prepare and execute the budget."

"If Cho's logic were correct, then anyone could request a constitutional interpretation and refuse to pay taxes, fines, or serve in the military until the ruling was issued. Taiwan would fall into chaos," he added.

Chang said Cho's actions had undermined democracy and the rule of law, and he would report him to the MOJ for malfeasance.

He added that the TPP legislative caucus would assist those affected in applying for state compensation.

Chang said the TPP had given the Executive Yuan a seven-day grace period last week to correct its course, but if it fails to allocate the necessary budget, the caucus would submit a motion on Tuesday to send back the "unlawful budget proposal."

He said the caucus would demand immediate revisions to the budget and accountability for Cho and other senior officials.

The Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus has also voiced dissatisfaction with the Executive Yuan for not budgeting funds for pay raises, pensions, and local government subsidies, and plans to file a motion for reconsideration.

Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said Saturday that some provisions of the Pay Act for the Armed Force and the Police Personnel Management Act may be unconstitutional, adding that the Cabinet has already requested a Constitutional Court interpretation and a temporary injunction.

"If the Constitutional Court finds no constitutional violation," Lee said, "the Executive Yuan will immediately make the necessary adjustments and retroactive corrections to ensure that the rights of affected personnel are not harmed."

Responding to the TPP legislative caucus' threat to reconsider the government's budget, Lee reiterated Sunday that the Executive Yuan has a duty to uphold the Constitution and therefore cannot enforce bills that may violate the Constitution.