The central government is pushing back on the opposition parties' proposals
of stopping the annual reduction of pension payment for civil servants,
saying it would undermine the positive effects of pension reform.

The Ministry of Civil Service said from the perspective of sustainable fund
operation, the reform should continue, adding that stopping it would cause
the pension funds to run out sooner.

Because of the pension reform, the Ministry said the depletion years for the
public and teaching staff retirement funds were pushed back by 18 years to
2049, and by 15 years to 2045, respectively.

MOCS Minister Shi Neng-jie (施能傑) said if the Legislative Yuan passes the
proposals, the depletion years will be advanced again, affecting all
incumbent personnel and retirees.

Shi also said the savings generated over the past 7 years from the reform, at
259 billion NT, have been injected back into the fund.

Meanwhile the Examination Yuan noted that the pension reform includes a
review mechanism, and adjustments have already been made twice due to
inflation.

(JL)