Finance Minister Chang Sheng-ford (張盛和) said in the Legislative Yuan yesterday that now is not the right time to introduce an energy tax, and confirmed that the tax will not to be launched in 2014.

Examination Yuan Minister Kuan Chung (關中) yesterday fired back at accusations that recent civil servant pension law amendments will fatten high-level officials, rejecting the idea that the adjustments were meant to benefit only some civil servants.

Taipei City Councilor Lee Ching-yuan (李慶元) yesterday claimed that the Taipei City Government attempted to cover up the sexual harassment case of a city government advisor.

The so-called “luxury tax,” aimed at preventing speculative real estate investments, will be reviewed for possible changes in June, Finance Minister Chang Sheng-ford (張盛和) said yesterday.

Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu (高華柱) yesterday apologized to the public over two recent Air Force fighter crashes that occurred within five days of each other.

The Air Force will increase its patrols over waters around the country's southern coast, Air Force Commander Gen. Liu Chen-wu said yesterday.

City sidewalks just got a whole lot safer. Students of the Taipei European School's French Section were presented yesterday with their “permis piéton,” the French term for pedestrian license, by the French Institute in Taipei (IFT), signifying their mastery of road safety and self-protection.

French fry chain store Ireland's Potato (愛爾蘭瘋薯) has been fined for using expired sauce in their products, according to New Taipei City's Public Health Department (PHD) yesterday.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) yesterday said in regard to the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman that the ministry and the Philippines have reached a consensus to conduct indirect questioning of relevant personnel.

The Financial Supervisory Commission yesterday imposed fines of NT$8.4 million against insurance carrier Singfor Life (幸福人壽), citing six counts of major infractions.