GSIS eyes train, meds discounts for members

MANILA, Philippines — The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is studying the possibility of negotiating discounts for government employees in mass transport railway systems and providing cheaper maintenance medicine for retirees.

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said the state-pension fund is exploring additional services and programs to support members amid the ongoing oil price shock, complementing its existing initiatives such as the loan moratorium, solar panel installation and e-mobility financing.

“We also would like to review, if there is a way for us to be able to speak to the mass transport railway systems and allow us to negotiate a discount for our members,” he told The STAR.

To help ease rising transportation costs, the GSIS has launched its Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan, which allows members to purchase brand-new bicycles and electric mobility devices. This has attracted more than 1,000 applicants, with total applications amounting to P133 million.

In the health sector, Veloso said the state pension fund is also making arrangements to help its members secure health insurance and cheaper medicines for those of retirement age.

“What’s important is to get the medicine at a low cost,” he said.

Government retirees are estimated to number more than 700,000.

Veloso said the agency is still reviewing options to deliver these potential measures and are not yet official.