Premier Sean Chen said today that the Executive Yuan's stance on 2012 year-end bonuses for government retirees and veterans has not changed, and that the government will move toward "institutionalizing" this pension bonus plan. Future bonuses will not be lower than this year's amount and will be adjusted according to economic conditions and the definition of disadvantaged groups.
The premier mentioned twice this year's bonus amount in his October 23 announcement that the bonuses would continue for only two groups of government pensioners, namely the disadvantaged and those who have made great sacrifices for the country. Chen said these statements are clearly noted in the records of all legislative meetings and that all of his remarks and comments are consistent with his original stance.
The premier specified that the 2012 bonuses would be limited to government retirees with monthly pensions of less than NT$20,000 (US$683), and households of veterans injured or killed in action. The decision was made on the principles of fairness, justice, and caring for the vulnerable.
After a lifetime of service, some retirees have only a meager pension to count on, and the state is obligated to take care of them, Chen said.