TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) caucus unveiled a revised special tariff response bill Tuesday (May 6), proposing a reduced budget of NT$390 billion. The proposal excludes NT$100 billion allocated for Taiwan Power Company (Taipower, 台電) and NT$150 billion for national security resilience, instead introducing a universal cash distribution of NT$10,000 to citizens.
The Executive Yuan (行政院) approved a NT$410 billion special bill on April 24 to bolster economic and national security resilience amid international challenges. The bill aims to support businesses financially, enhance industry competitiveness, and fund Taipower alongside labor and health insurance initiatives.
KMT Legislators Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇), Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), and Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) emphasized the inclusion of the NT$10,000 cash distribution in their version while removing the NT$100 billion for Taipower, Ko expressed support for parts of the Executive Yuan's plan, such as industry support and vulnerable care, but questioned the NT$100 billion allocation to Taipower, urging the company to address its losses with more sustainable solutions.
Wang highlighted the core intent of the KMT proposal: the NT$10,000 cash distribution, amounting to approximately NT$230 billion. This initiative aims to stimulate consumer spending and revitalize the economy amid potential economic hardships. Wang added that the distribution should conclude by the end of October, with the overall budget reduced to NT$390 billion to maintain fiscal discipline.
Lo noted that the KMT caucus carefully reviewed the special budget and bill, adhering to principles of legitimacy and targeted solutions to serve as Taiwan's economic bulwark against challenges like U.S. tariffs and economic storms.