Former Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng (彭振聲) was among the first of those indicted with former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People Party’s (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on charges of bribery and corruption to be released on bail this morning as he left the Taipei District Court.
It was expected that Pong would be released on bail as he had pleaded guilty during the investigation and had been unwell, Pong’s lawyer said.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Pong told investigators what needed to be told, his lawyer said.
However, Pong’s bail, which was NT$5 million (US$150,000), exceeded what his family had expected, he said.
Pong was seen smiling and waving to reporters when he left the court.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗), finance chief of Ko's 2024 election campaign, who was also among the first of the defendants to be released on bail, left the court at 10.30am today.
Lee, who was released on bail of NT$10 million, wore a yellow jacket and a mask, holding hands with his family.
Ko, Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇) and Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), founder and chairman of the real estate conglomerate Core Pacific Group, are still waiting for their lawyers or family to pay their respective bails.
According to today's ruling, Ko is to be released on bail of NT$30 million, Ying on bail of NT$15 million and Sheen on bail of NT$40 million.
Eight restaurants in Taiwan yesterday secured a one-star rating from the Michelin Guide Taiwan for the first time, while three one-star restaurants from last year’s edition were promoted to two stars. Forty-three restaurants were awarded one star this year, including 34 in Taipei, five in Taichung and four in Kaohsiung. Hosu (好嶼), Chuan Ya (川雅), Sushi Kajin (鮨嘉仁), aMaze (心宴), La Vie by Thomas Buhner, Yuan Yi (元一) and Frassi in Taipei and Front House (方蒔) in Kaohsiung received a one-star rating for the first time. Hosu is known for innovative Taiwanese dishes, while Chuan Ya serves Sichuan cuisine and aMaze specializes
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