Newsmakers: The enigmatic Huang Hsien-chou

"I cannot imagine him doing anything this nonsensical," Lin said. "He was always very attentive and conscientious when reviewing bills."

Like many others, Lin shied away from passing judgment, saying he didn't know Huang that well and citing the fact that the case was still under investigation.

Huang, who failed to win a second term, is due to vacate his office at the end of this month. On the campaign trail, he portrayed himself as a family man who considered nothing more important than putting food on the table and vowed, if re-elected, to help his constituents meet their needs.

Whatever the truth, it's no secret that many politicians in Taiwan are fond of having extravagant nightlives. Parties who bitterly bicker over policy issues in the daytime are frequently reconciled at night in company of gorgeous hostesses while eating delicious food.

Earlier, DPP lawmaker Hsu Jung-shu (許榮淑) bluntly pointed out that quite a few of her male colleagues were promiscuous.

"You bet, there are many womanizers in the DPP," Hsu said. "And some have broken families as a result of their promiscuity."

People First Party legislator Chou Hsi-wei (周錫瑋) said that he would not be surprised if it were proven that Huang's sexual desires include sadomasochism.

"Rumors that some colleagues lead a loose life are nothing new," he said, declining to name any except adding that "birds of a feather flock together."

Commenting along similar lines, KMT lawmaker Chen Ching-pao (陳清寶) said he felt relieved he was leaving office.

"As a microcosm of society, the legislature has its share of hypocrites," Chen said. "I'm glad I'll be leaving this place soon."