Teachers rally vs. alleged illegal deductions by GSIS

CEBU, Philippines – Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers- Cebu City Chapter yesterday staged a rally to protest the alleged illegal deductions implemented by the Government Service Insurance System.

The group staged the rally at 10 am right in front of the GSIS Regional Field Office along Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

But GSIS Regional Manager Ma. Fatima Alvarez said all transactions by the office are done legally and that the issues raised by the group are but old ones. In fact, some of which are now reportedly pending before the Supreme Court, including the issue on the premium-based policy.

The group has protested the alleged non-applicability of the new GSIS policy, which modifies some provisions of Republic Act 8291 or the GSIS Act.

ACT Cebu City Chairperson William Alterado said they are also protesting the resolution passed by GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia, which changed the basis for the issuance of retirement benefits- from the length of time the member was in service to the amount of premium the member has paid.

Alterado said the new policy has lowered the amount of benefits for teacher retirees and has “degraded” them.

ACT members also complained of the Auto Claims and Loans Interdependency Program or Auto CLIP, which allegedly automatically deducts payment of loans from the teachers’ salary, something that the group says is burdensome on the part of the teachers.

But Alvarez explained that contrary to views of the group, the Auto CLIP was designed to ease the burden of members because it would prevent overdue loans and, subsequently, large interests.

“Auto CLIP is a collection strategy of GSIS to ensure that loans will be paid because GSIS is also trying to protect its investment,” Alvarez said.

“There is nothing wrong with the Auto CLIP policy if the member will just pay on time or if they have the intention to pay. Kailangan jud baya nato bayaran atong utang,” she added.

Teachers nationwide comprise 60 percent of the GSIS membership. Alvarez confirmed most of those availing of the loans come from the ACT that is why they are the most affected by the Auto CLIP.

Moreover, ACT Treasurer Antonia Lim alleged GSIS is not always updated on the members’ records. She said that even if DepEd is on time in remitting their premiums to GSIS, the agency’s personnel allegedly always fail to update their records.

Alvarez, however, reasoned that updating is done massively per agency and that their records are complete and updated.

It is reportedly only now that GSIS is undergoing system enhancement such that some are suspended until after holy week. Alvarez said that they are hoping to finish all enhancements and be fully operational by June.

Alterado said they will stage another rally on May 30 to further air out their sentiments. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)