Ex-President's Son-in-Law's Divorce Agreement Reveal Aimed at Silencing Accuser, Lawyer Suggests

Chen Hsing-yu, daughter of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, has publicly accused her ex-husband, Chao Chien-ming, of neglecting their family and allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a clinic nurse. She also claims he misappropriated NT$23 million in education funds meant for their three sons.

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He should not take risks that he absolutely does not need to take. This should be one of the principles of risk management.

Chao Chien-ming returned to Taiwan late on the 20th, facing a media throng. Instead of addressing the accusations, he presented a partial divorce agreement. Lawyer Wang Chih-te suggested this move was a strategic attempt to silence Chen Hsing-yu. Wang noted that Chao could have simply sent a lawyer's letter, but chose a more drastic action, potentially risking a breach of the agreement's confidentiality clause, which stipulates a NT$100 million penalty for revealing details of their marriage or the divorce proceedings.

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Generally speaking, as long as Chao Chien-ming asked his lawyer to send a lawyer's letter to warn Chen Hsing-yu, it would have been enough.

Wang analyzed that Chao likely felt compelled to act due to Chen's persistent public statements. By revealing the agreement, Chao might be trying to prevent further damage to his reputation. However, Wang questioned the effectiveness of this tactic, suggesting Chen could still voice her grievances through friends or relatives without directly violating the agreement's terms, as the information wouldn't be coming directly from her.

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This should be a risk management principle.