Taipei: The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislative caucus announced plans on Sunday to reconsider the central government’s general budget on Tuesday and to report Premier Cho Jung-tai to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) for alleged malfeasance.

According to Focus Taiwan, TPP Deputy Caucus Whip Chang Chi-kai accused Premier Cho of “crossing a red line” by failing to allocate funds for raising salaries for military personnel and increasing pensions for police and firefighters. Chang emphasized that Cho’s decision to omit funding for measures already passed by the Legislative Yuan and endorsed by the president constitutes both malfeasance and illegality.

Chang criticized Cho’s stance to wait for the Constitutional Court’s ruling before implementing the measures, labeling it as “proof that he is a legal illiterate who is deliberately violating the law.” He argued that while the Executive Yuan may seek a constitutional interpretation, it is still obligated to prepare and execute the budget prior to a court ruling.

He further warned that if Cho’s approach were valid, it could lead to widespread chaos, as individuals might refuse to pay taxes, fines, or fulfill military service until a constitutional ruling is issued. Chang asserted that Cho’s actions undermine democracy and the rule of law, prompting him to report Cho to the MOJ for malfeasance.

Additionally, Chang noted that the TPP legislative caucus intends to aid those affected by applying for state compensation. He mentioned that the TPP had provided the Executive Yuan with a seven-day grace period to adjust its course. However, should the budget remain unchanged, the caucus plans to submit a motion on Tuesday to reject the “unlawful budget proposal,” demanding immediate revisions and accountability for Cho and other senior officials.

The Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus has similarly expressed dissatisfaction with the Executive Yuan’s failure to allocate funds for pay raises, pensions, and local government subsidies, and plans to file a motion for reconsideration.

In response, Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee stated on Saturday that some provisions of the Pay Act for the Armed Force and the Police Personnel Management Act might be unconstitutional. She noted that the Cabinet has requested a Constitutional Court interpretation and a temporary injunction. Lee assured that if the Constitutional Court finds no constitutional violation, the Executive Yuan will promptly adjust and retroactively correct the budget to protect affected personnel’s rights.

Addressing the TPP legislative caucus’ threat to reconsider the budget, Lee reiterated on Sunday that the Executive Yuan must uphold the Constitution and therefore cannot enforce potentially unconstitutional bills.