TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Lai Ching-te proactively addressed the disputes surrounding his illegally constructed family property in Wanli on Wednesday (Dec. 20).
During the party's Central Standing Committee meeting earlier that day, Lai emphasized that houses like his, which can apply for retroactive legalization through proper procedures, are within the law.
Lai noted that the house in question was built in 1958, which predated the implementing of the Mining Act in 1963 and the Regional Plan Act in 1981. Consequently, Lai argued, homes in the mining area were legally established before these legislative measures were enacted.
The DPP chairperson pointed to the government's mishandling of responsibilities following the cessation of mining rights, which subsequently made it difficult for residents of the mining area to repair their homes.
Therefore, he believes that the property in question can undergo procedural rectification to attain legal status.
Furthermore, Lai drew comparisons with other high-profile constructions to clarify the scale of his property, claiming, "The modest size of this remote mining area cottage can't be compared with a whole dormitory at Yangming Mountain that belongs to Hou Yu-ih.
"Nor does it compare in value to the illegal structures and land used as a bus parking lot by Ko Wen-je’s family," he added.
Lai vowed his commitment to transparency and stated his responsibility to present the true circumstances to the public. Rallying unity within his party, he expressed confidence that, with just over 20 days remaining, the DPP was on course for victory.