Taiwan's constitutional standoff is deepening as the cabinet keeps refusing to countersign laws passed by the opposition-controlled legislature — bad news for anyone hoping for a functioning government in Taipei.

• Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai says neither the cabinet nor the legislature stands above the constitution.
• The deadlock traces back to the legislature blocking nominees to the constitutional court, leaving no referee to rule on what is legal.
• Legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu attacked the cabinet for refusing to countersign bills; premier Cho Jung-tai wants a joint effort to restore constitutional order.
• This year's national budget only passed in August, which effectively froze large parts of the government.
• A planned cash handout of NT$10,000 per person depends on that budget clearing the legislature.

Outlook: Taipei is pushing for the budget to pass by year-end so the cash payments land before Lunar New Year, but the fight over the constitutional court shows no sign of ending.