DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng Caught Smearing in 'Phonegate' Debacle: Sued for 1M NTD after Falsely Accusing Ko Wen-je

In early February 2024, following the conclusion of the Legislative Yuan's speaker election, newly appointed DPP Spokesperson Wu Cheng publicly posted on Facebook accusing Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je of proactively calling pro-green medical elder Chen Yung-hsing to negotiate a backroom deal supporting Huang Shan-shan for speaker. However, on February 2, Ko and the TPP produced detailed phone logs thoroughly dismantling Wu's narrative, proving that multiple DPP intermediaries (including Lin Chia-lung's aides) had actually initiated the contacts, and Chen had called Ko first. The TPP sued Wu and the DPP for 1 million NTD in civil damages for defamation. In a pathetic spectacle before cameras, Wu whined that he only had 760,000 NTD left in his bank account after his failed election bid and would face personal bankruptcy if ordered to pay, drawing fierce derision for his lack of accountability and cowardly behavior.