Retiring Capitol employees need Ombuds’ certification

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol employees who are retiring must have a certification from the Visayas Ombudsman that would state whether or not the prospective retiree has a pending criminal or administrative case before they can file their retirement applications with the Government Service Insurance System.

The GSIS will only accept retirement applications if filed with the said certification.

Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin issued a memorandum to all department and office heads on the new policy that took effect yesterday, March 15, 2013.

Habin said the new policy is based on Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 1995 issued by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Commission on Audit also issued Circular No. 2013 001 dated January 10, 2013 to include the said documentary requirement in the processing of retirement benefits.

The Circular provides that in the event that the certification presented states that the prospective retiree has a pending case, the responsibility of determining whether or not to release his retirement benefits, as well as the imposition of necessary safeguards to ensure restitution thereof in the event that the retiree is found guilty rests upon and shall be left at the sound discretion of the head of the department, office or agency concerned.

The Circular was signed by COA Chairperson Ma. Grace Pulido Tan and Commissioners Juanito Espino Jr. and Heidi Mendoza. — /MBG (FREEMAN)