NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The kindergarten child drugging case in New Taipei City has sparked outrage and raised concerns about Mayor Hou Yu-ih's leadership.
So far, 17 parents have come forward to report the incident. The 25-day delay in conducting the investigation has deepened skepticism about Hou's administrative capabilities.
After preliminary examination, several substances were found in the children's bodies, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines, which have sedative effects.
Hou apologized twice on Thursday (June 8), expressing his deep sadness and vowing to protect the children and safeguard their health. However, his response failed to appease public anger, as many accused him of offering empty words and glossing over the issue.
Hou again faced media scrutiny regarding the case on Friday (June 9). "We will pursue criminal and civil charges against the owner of the kindergarten chain," Hou reiterated.
He acknowledged that the New Taipei City Government "has not done enough" and "has not been good enough" in responding to the case, and he vowed to take swift action.
In a press interview Friday (June 9), Premier Chen Chien-jen criticized the New Taipei City Government, stating that it had failed to meet the expectations of parents and the public.
Chen added, "If the matter had been addressed earlier, the harm would have been lessened."
In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has established a dedicated hotline and provided testing and medical care for the affected children free of charge.
Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan also lamented that it was only when the prosecutor began investigating the case that the kindergarten's license was revoked.
During the 25-day delay in the investigation, the Ministry of Education issued five notifications to the New Taipei City Government, urging them to take prompt action.
"We need to investigate whether there are issues of negligence in the administrative procedures," Cheng stated.
To date, Mayor Hou has not attended any meetings related to the New Taipei City kindergarten drugging case. As the case continues to gain attention, Hou must take a more proactive role in addressing the issue.