Seoul: The National Assembly, led by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), is poised to vote on a significant bill that aims to curtail the prosecution's direct investigative powers. This development comes as the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) continues its filibuster, which has entered its second day, in an effort to thwart the legislative move.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the DP is anticipated to advance the revision to the Criminal Procedure Act during a plenary session scheduled for around 4 p.m. The revision seeks to remove the prosecution's authority to conduct direct investigations, including supplementary investigations. The ruling party's broader agenda includes dismantling the current prosecution structure and establishing two new agencies dedicated to investigations and indictments.

The filibuster, initiated by the PPP, can be halted after 24 hours if at least three-fifths of the Assembly's members, totaling 180 lawmakers, vote to end it. The DP, holding 161 seats, is expected to garner sufficient support from minor opposition parties and independents to terminate the filibuster and proceed with the vote.

Additionally, the Assembly plans to introduce a revision to the National Assembly Act, which seeks to reduce the review period for fast-tracked bills from a maximum of 330 days to 90 days. Despite the PPP's intention to stage another filibuster against this measure, it will automatically conclude at midnight when the current extra parliamentary session expires. The prosecution reform bill is anticipated to be presented for a vote at the first plenary session next month.