Taiwan's first lady faces graft charges - TV

TAIPEI, Nov 3 (Reuters) Taiwan prosecutors intend to file corruption charges against First Lady Wu Shu-chen and officials in the government of President Chen Shui-bian, local media reported today.

Included in those facing charges is Ma Yong-cheng, a former close aide to Chen, according to the 24-hour news stations Sanli and Formosa TV.

A spokesman from the Taipei prosecutor's office had no comment, but said a media briefing was scheduled for 1330 IST. The president's office was also not immediately available for comment.

The filing of charges stems from a case involving Chen and his possible underdocumented use of funds from a special state affairs budget.

The investigations against the president and Wu, along with an unrelated investigation and charges against their son-in-law, Chao Chien-ming, have weighed on Chen's administration since this spring, leading to a vocal movement calling for him to step down.

In a bid to placate critics, Chen ceded some powers in June to Premier Su Tseng-chang.

Reuters SHB DB1336