Shih said he was not familiar with the individual cases that the ministry handles, but if prosecutors felt the need to search the presidential compound, there were certain processes to follow when applying for a search warrant for special places.
He did not elaborate, but said that a search can only be granted if there was evidence indicating that the compound needed to be searched.
Meanwhile, one of the president's aides said that yesterday was one of the president's saddest days for a long time.
"The president has a heavy heart," said David Lee (李南陽), director-general of the Public Affairs Department for the Presidential Office. "However, he still has a job to do."
Lee said the President's stance on the matter was clear and that was he supports the investigation effort of the prosecutors and hopes the truth of the matter will be learned in a speedy manner.
President Chen, however, seemed absent-minded when receiving the winners of the Shennong Award at the Presidential Office yesterday morning. He paused for a few seconds during his speech and forced a stiff smile when a farmer invited him to her lichee farm to sample her lichees.
Lee said the president has no plans to change his schedule today. He is scheduled to receive Deputy US Trade Representative Karan Bhatia at the Presidential Office in the morning, with two other engagements scheduled for the afternoon.
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