GSIS announces new policy on retirement

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Government Service Insurance System reiterates its new policy on requiring only one document for government employees to comply upon retirement and already ensure the early release of his or her retirement benefits.

The reiteration was made by Dumaguete GSIS branch manager lawyer Mercedes E. Enriquez as the local branch celebrates its 40th year of existence on Tuesday, April 29, in this part of the country.

Enriquez said this document is called the Declaration of Pendency or non-pendency of case prior to the ecrediting of their benefits.

She, however, cautioned concerned retiring government employees to tell the truth in their declaration because it will be in a form of an affidavit, in order not to be charged criminally with perjury, that would result to delays in the release of the benefits.

Before the new law RA 10154, three separate clearances were required, namely, a clearance from the Ombudsman Visayas, clearance from the Civil Service Commission and from the office or agency where he is working.

Lawyer Enriquez said these requirements are so tedious, burdensome, time-consuming and very costly, unlike the new system which is hustle-free.

The new system also curbs red tape that slows down the processing of claims. She made it clear that ones the application for retirement claims is submitted, the retiring government employee has to wait for a call or advice from the GSIS for him or her to submit the self sworn declaration that he or she has no pending case, administratively or criminally, before the CSC or the Ombudsman.

Sworn statements executed before the advice was made will not be accepted.

After the submission of the lone document,  the applicant will be advised of the downloading of his or her benefits in the bank under the ecrediting scheme.

Meanwhile, the local GSIS branch continues with its pre-retirement counseling every Friday to help and guide retirable employees in their decision as to the benefits they would like to avail in different categories.

During her assumption as branch manager two years ago, lawyer Enriquez made sure a pre-counselling office be established for retiring government employees to be apprise them on what to do for smooth processing of retirement claims,  pensions, gratuities and other benefits.

The 40th anniversary celebration kicked off on Friday with an inter-office basketball invitational tournament at the newly renovated basketball court of the GSIS Dumaguete branch. 

During the tournament, the men from GSIS Dumaguete headed by Roy Marino, won against the basketball team of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

On Saturday, GSIS brought food packages to the Talay Psychiatric Ward as part of their social responsibility, benefitting about 70 recipients. — (FREEMAN)