Executive Yuan: Disaster Relief is Urgent, But Reserve Funds Depend on Budget Approval

Central News Agency (CNA), Taipei, June 26. In light of recent heavy rains, the allocation of disaster reserve funds has become a point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties. The Executive Yuan stated today that disaster relief work is urgent and requires immediate funding; however, disaster reserves and second reserve funds cannot be utilized until the central government's total budget passes its third reading in the Legislative Yuan.

While the budget is still under review, President Lai Ching-te expressed concerns about the upcoming typhoon season, questioning the government's ability to finance relief operations without an approved budget. Conversely, the KMT legislative caucus argued that under the Budget Act, statutory obligations and existing continuous projects remain fundable, and the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act allows for the reallocation of funds in emergencies.

In response, the Executive Yuan clarified that it submitted the total budget on August 29 of last year, yet it remains pending after 302 days. It emphasized that disaster reserves do not fall under the category of "continuous projects" and thus require the total budget's passage to be activated.

Furthermore, the Executive Yuan addressed the NT$71.8 billion for emerging projects authorized for review in April, noting that these funds are earmarked for long-term water conservancy infrastructure and cannot replace the emergency disaster funding needed. The Executive Yuan urged the Legislative Yuan to complete the budget review as soon as possible to ensure public safety and recovery for disaster-affected areas.