Environment minister backs Chi Po-lin’s son amid insult

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Environment on Wednesday (Oct. 16) voiced strong support for the son of the late director Chi Po-lin (齊柏林), urging respect for speakers. 

Peng Chi-ming's (彭啟明) remarks came after the insulted Chi Ting-huan (齊廷洹) left a speech in Miaoli on Oct. 11, after receiving a message from the event organizer accusing him of living off his father's legacy.

The organizer immediately retracted the message, but Chi Ting-huan described it as his "most humiliating experience in recent years," and acknowledged the emotional burden it caused.

Peng, who had known Chi Po-lin for a long time, defended Chi Ting-huan's efforts, asserting that he does not rely on his father's reputation. He emphasized Chi Ting-huan's dedication to furthering his father's ideals to benefit society, despite the significant impact of the recent incident.

Peng, who frequently speaks at various events, noted that if faced with similar disrespect, he "would not return next time." He stressed the importance of respecting the extensive preparation speakers invest in their presentations.

Acclaimed filmmaker Chi Po-lin, best known for his documentary "Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above" (看見台灣) in 2013, lost his life in a helicopter crash while shooting in Hualien County (花蓮) in 2017.