Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has reiterated his apology in the Diet for the money scandal embroiling factions of his main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Kishida was speaking on Monday at a session of the Lower House Budget Committee that focused on politics and money.

He said the issue seriously undermined the public's trust in politics. He pledged to make persistent efforts to reform politics and restore trust.

In the session, opposition parties urged for a swift probe to uncover the full extent of the off-the-books flow of funds involving LDP factions and lawmakers concerning revenues from fundraising parties.

Kishida responded that the party will start hearing from those involved and that a series of reforms will be discussed with other parties.

LDP member Niwa Hideki asked if politicians should bear responsibility for the false reports made by their fund management organizations.

Niwa noted that many people think that politicians may be evading responsibility, while their secretaries and treasurers are prosecuted. He asked Kishida for his view on a system to hold politicians accountable as well.

Kishida said careful discussion is needed on various points such as types of illegal acts and scope of political organizations before such a system based on guilt by association is introduced.

He said the LDP will draw up its views on reforms, including a system to clarify politicians' responsibilities, as well as hold comprehensive discussions with other parties.

A member of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, Shina Takeshi, urged Kishida to quickly figure out what actually went wrong.

Shina said there is concern that off-the-books funds are being used for purposes worlds apart from the proper use of political funds, and that a full picture should be given. He asked Kishida for a deadline on when he would act.

The prime minister said he had already instructed party executives to set up a framework for hearing from those involved. He said he will start the effort soon.

Kishida also said he will consider inviting third-party experts to join the investigation.

Some LDP lawmakers say they have filed corrections in their political fund reports in relation to the scandal.
Kishida said so far he is aware that fund reports have been revised by more than 30 members of the party's largest faction, previously led by the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, and seven of the faction led by former LDP Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro.