A parliamentary committee on Thursday passed a bill aimed at promoting the use of local currency vouchers despite opposition from the ruling People Power Party (PPP).

At a plenary session of the public administration and security committee, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) unilaterally passed the motion, which focuses on strengthening the government’s financial support for the local currency programs.

The revised bill mandates that the government provide financial assistance to local governments to support the issuance and sale of such coupons.

PPP lawmakers at the meeting strongly opposed the bill, citing concerns about the excessive financial burden and a surge in the national debt, while opposition lawmakers argued that the coupons will boost the economy and help the local governments ease their financial strains.

The motion is expected to be reviewed at a meeting of the legislation and judiciary committee and be submitted to a plenary session later this month.

Source: Yonhap News Agency