DP tables cash handout bill at plenary session; PPP launches filibuster

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) proposed a bill on providing cash handouts to the entire population Thursday, prompting the ruling party to launch a filibuster in protest. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik accepted the DP's request to table the legislation on distributing cash vouchers ranging from 250,000 won (US$181) to 350,000 won to all households. Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party launched a filibuster in response. The cash handout proposal was among top agenda items for the DP as the 22nd National Assembly opened in May and a general election pledge of former party leader Lee Jae-myung, who argues the plan could boost spending and revive the local economy. When the ongoing filibuster ends Friday afternoon, the DP plans to table a pro-labor legislation dubbed the "yellow envelope bill" that aims to limit companies from making claims for damages against legitimate labor union disputes. Under the National Assembly Act, a filibuster can be stopped after 24 hours if at least thre e-fifths of all parliament members, or 180 lawmakers, consent to it. Immediately after the cash handout bill was tabled, DP lawmakers submitted a request for an end to the filibuster. Source: Yonhap News Agency