TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After being detained on corruption charges, Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦), the former mayor of Taoyuan, resigned from his position as the chair of the Straits Exchange Foundation(SEF) on Sunday (July 7). 

The SEF, a quasi-governmental organization tasked with facilitating economic ties with China, confirmed that Cheng tendered his resignation as chair, per CNA. On Saturday (July 6), it was reported that Cheng posted NT$5 million (US$154,000) for bail after being arrested on bribery charges. 

Although details of the investigation remain unclear, Cheng is accused of accepting bribes and misusing his power to facilitate land development deals during his time as the mayor of Taoyuan. He has been ordered to remain at his private residence and is forbidden from traveling abroad.

Cheng is a well-liked leader and veteran of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and an ally of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). He was tipped to head the SEF back in April, and after Lai’s inauguration in May, he assumed the role of SEF Chair in June. 

Cheng has so far maintained his innocence. He said he plans to defend himself and his political career and will fully respect the judicial process. 

In the wake of the charges against Cheng, the DPP announced that a meeting of the party’s commission on political integrity will be held on Monday (July 8) to discuss the possibility of the party launching an internal anti-corruption probe in Cheng’s case, reported CNA.