Taiwan Today
Date: February 23, 2016
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. [FULL STORY]