New Taipei City councillor Chiu Feng-yao was again sentenced to three years and six months at the second-instance trial — bad news for him personally, but until the verdict becomes final he can still register to seek re-election.

• Chiu Feng-yao and his father, former Zhonghe City mayor Chiu Chui-yi, were found to have forced through the tender sale of the Anle Market, selling the land at a bargain price to a company in which they had invested.
• The court found the illegal gains exceeded NT$80 million. The second-instance court dismissed the appeal, keeping Chiu Chui-yi's sentence at 10 years and Chiu Feng-yao's at three years and six months.
• The New Taipei City Election Commission said the Public Officials Election and Recall Act bars registration for corruption offences only once a verdict is final. As this case can still be appealed, his registration yesterday as a candidate for city councillor in Zhonghe District remains valid.
• Chiu Feng-yao said he respects the court but does not accept its findings, stressing that he had no intent to seek illicit profit. He will appeal to clear his name and continue to pursue his right to stand for election.
• Whether he is ultimately eligible to run will be determined by the Central Election Commission once the judicial process has run its course.

Outlook: With registration for the nine-in-one local elections under way, Chiu Feng-yao is expected to continue campaigning as a candidate, but once the verdict is finalised his candidacy — or his election, if he wins — could be annulled.