The legislature has passed an amendment in an effort to curb drunk driving and the spread of false information in the military.
Under the revised Criminal Code of the Armed Forces, current members of the military will face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$10,000) for producing and spreading false information about the military. If the false information is spread through radio, television, electronic communications, or the internet, the punishment will be 50% heavier.
The revision also increases the punishment for military members caught drunk driving. If a military member with a prior DUI record commits drunk driving that leads to a fatal accident, the member could be sentenced to between five years to life in prison.
Lawmakers from both the ruling DPP and opposition KMT have expressed support for the amendment. They said it helps enforce a zero-tolerance attitude towards drunk driving in Taiwan.