Gabriela solon hits GSIS system breakdown

"It is the most irresponsible excuse to deny GSIS members their benefits and economic relief," said Gabriela Women's Party Representative Luzviminda Ilagan on the one page advertisement paid for by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) about the failure of its system slowing down processing of claims and loans.

Rep. Ilagan declared that government employees, including public school teachers, have been dependent on the GSIS for their retirement benefits, loans and other remunerations.

However, the progressive solon criticized the GSIS for its incapacity to provide its funders what is due the latter. In fact, according to Ilagan, since the appointment of GSIS president and General Manager Winston Garcia in 2003, questionable policies have been implemented such as the Claims and Loans Interdependency Policy (CLIP) and more travails were narrated by members who could not access much needed loans and retirement benefits on time.

"Despite automatic salary deductions and regular amortizations, the GSIS has made it an obstacle course for members to avail of financial assistance," Ilagan said.

"There is more to the IBM issue than meets the eye. GSIS owes it to its members to explain fully the real status of GSIS records and funds and not merely take a one page advertisement paid for by contributions of its members," Ilagan added.

Ilagan co-sponsored the House Resolution No. 115, calling the House Committees on Government Enterprises and Privatization, and Good Government to jointly conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the irregularities in the GSIS, conduct an in-depth and thorough-going review of the decisions of the GSIS Board, and look into the records of the said agency in order to uphold transparency and fight corruption. #