Hualien Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang Released on Bail in Lunch Scandal; DPP Calls for Suspension
Hualien Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang was released on bail of NT$1 million on suspicion of corruption in a school lunch procurement scandal. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Hualien chapter called for his suspension pending investigation, while the Hualien County Government stated it would fully cooperate with the judicial inquiry.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 14:35
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 14:49 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 14:50 (0 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Hualien, 12th) Hualien Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang was released on bail of NT$1 million on suspicion of corruption in a school lunch procurement scandal. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Hualien chapter called for his suspension from duty pending investigation. The Hualien County Government stated it would fully cooperate with judicial authorities to clarify the facts.
The DPP Hualien chapter pointed out that the total value of the elementary and junior high school lunch procurement contracts amounts to NT$270 million, directly impacting the dietary quality and health of all students in the county. It alleged that the bidding process may have been manipulated through methods such as canceling and re-tendering, splitting contracts, and adjusting bid qualifications to allow specific vendors to win.
The DPP Hualien chapter stated that Yen has long been regarded as a key core aide within the political faction of former Magistrate Fu Kun-chi. Now that he has been named a defendant and granted bail by the judiciary, the public has the right to know who decided to split the contracts, who authorized the modification of bidding conditions, and who was behind the overall decision-making.
The DPP Hualien chapter questioned why, despite repeated queries from the county council and oversight agencies regarding the lunch procurement process, the county government failed to provide a direct response. The recent large-scale searches and interrogations by prosecutors, reaching the level of the deputy magistrate, prove that this is not a simple misunderstanding or administrative oversight as claimed by the county government.
The DPP Hualien chapter urged that school lunches should not become a tool for specific individuals to seek personal gain. It called on Yen to voluntarily resign from his post or be suspended to avoid any suspicion of using his position to influence the investigation.
The Hualien County Government issued a statement saying the case has entered the judicial investigation process and the facts are yet to be determined. It called on the public to respect the principle of non-disclosure of investigations and avoid excessive speculation. The county government stated it would act in accordance with the law, face the matter with an open and responsible attitude, and fully cooperate with the judicial investigation to clarify the truth.
The DPP Hualien chapter pointed out that the total value of the elementary and junior high school lunch procurement contracts amounts to NT$270 million, directly impacting the dietary quality and health of all students in the county. It alleged that the bidding process may have been manipulated through methods such as canceling and re-tendering, splitting contracts, and adjusting bid qualifications to allow specific vendors to win.
The DPP Hualien chapter stated that Yen has long been regarded as a key core aide within the political faction of former Magistrate Fu Kun-chi. Now that he has been named a defendant and granted bail by the judiciary, the public has the right to know who decided to split the contracts, who authorized the modification of bidding conditions, and who was behind the overall decision-making.
The DPP Hualien chapter questioned why, despite repeated queries from the county council and oversight agencies regarding the lunch procurement process, the county government failed to provide a direct response. The recent large-scale searches and interrogations by prosecutors, reaching the level of the deputy magistrate, prove that this is not a simple misunderstanding or administrative oversight as claimed by the county government.
The DPP Hualien chapter urged that school lunches should not become a tool for specific individuals to seek personal gain. It called on Yen to voluntarily resign from his post or be suspended to avoid any suspicion of using his position to influence the investigation.
The Hualien County Government issued a statement saying the case has entered the judicial investigation process and the facts are yet to be determined. It called on the public to respect the principle of non-disclosure of investigations and avoid excessive speculation. The county government stated it would act in accordance with the law, face the matter with an open and responsible attitude, and fully cooperate with the judicial investigation to clarify the truth.
FAQ
Why was Hualien Deputy Magistrate Yen Hsin-chang arrested?
He is under investigation for corruption, suspected of favoring specific vendors in school lunch procurement bids.
What is the bail amount?
NT$1 million.
What is the DPP demanding?
The DPP is demanding Yen's suspension from duty and a full investigation into the case.