Lawmakers from the pan-blue alliance continued to criticize the highway electronic toll collection (ETC) system, demanding that the government immediately withdraw the "build, operate and transfer" (BOT) project, and probe a possible scandal involving the construction of the system.
"We ask the government to immediately stop the operation of the ETC system and turn it into a state-run operation instead," said People First Party (PFP) Legislator Lee Hung-chun (李鴻鈞), adding that the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) should take full responsibility for the controversy surrounding the project.
During a press conference held yesterday by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), lawmakers questioned officials as to why the ETC system -- supposedly constructed by Chunghwa Telecom before it was privatized -- turned out to be a BOT project.
Media reports said that Far Eastern Electronic Toll Collection Co was originally not on the short-list of companies to operate the system. But because Far Eastern scored best with regard to service charges, it had drastically raised its ranking among the competitors, and the MOTC eventually decided the company had become the best candidate to execute the project.
Chief of the department of railways and highways Yin Cheng-peng (尹承蓬), deputy director of Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau Ou Hui-cheng (歐輝政) and Far Eastern Co president Chang Yung-chang (張永昌) also attended the press conference.
Chang defended Far Eastern, saying that the company secured the project using honest means.
"Each step we took is open to the public," Chang said.
Lawmakers said that since some motorists have started asking for refunds for the onboard units, which allow a person to pay tolls electronically, and other related costs after a verdict against Far Eastern, the usage rate of the ETC system could drop, which may in turn affect the interests of other motorists.
Both Yin and Ou said they must consult other officials on the issue and declined to give any specifics.
But the MOTC made an announcement late yesterday afternoon, restating that the ETC system will continue to operate until a final verdict is handed down from the Supreme Court.
Minister Kuo Yao-chi (
Kuo also said the policy requiring large trucks to install OBUs will still go into effect on March 14.
Kuo also attempted to clarify speculation that the highway bureau showed it was partial to Far Eastern by giving it the highest score in the service charge section. She said that all the items evaluated were listed in the public notice for interested contractors, and they are able to file critiques and make suggestions within 90 days after the notice was announced.
"The service charge is calculated through a formula that is also listed in the notice," Kuo said, "And within those 90 days, not one contractor has protested against any article in the notice."
The results also have to be approved by all other review committee members, she said.
Kuo said the ministry would consolidate all the records regarding the bidding process in three days and would only make public those authorized by the law.
The ministry also plans to raise the speed limit to 50kph when passing through toll booths, possibly starting tomorrow, she said.
Meanwhile, Taipei prosecutors yesterday summoned former MOTC minister Lin Ling-san (林陵三) for questioning. Taipei Prosecutors' Office spokesman Lin Pang-liang (林邦樑) said prosecutors are inquiring whether Lin is involved in the ministry's ETC scandal.
Because a former secretary to Lin, Soong Nai-wu (宋乃午), had been released on bail after being charged for allegedly taking bribes in a scandal involving in the ETC system, prosecutors want to know whether the two officials have had contact regarding the scandal, Lin Pang-liang added.
The prosecutor refused to comment on whether Lin Ling-san is suspected of taking bribes from the ETC contractor.
Soong allegedly leaked secret ministry documents to the contractor, Far Eastern, before the ETC bidding took place, and he allegedly received money from the company after it won the bid.
Additional reporting by Rich Chang
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