MANILA, Philippines - It is amusing, if not ridiculous, that the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Papi) proclaimed GSIS General Manager Winston Garcia “Crusader of the Year.” This was announced through an ad published in the Inquirer last June 25. Papi must have been misled in conferring the honor on him.

The award was undeserved. Garcia’s efforts to gain control of Meralco and his criticism of the Lopezes can hardly be labeled a crusade. In waging a war against the Lopezes, Garcia is not championing a cause but desperately trying to deflect criticism against him for his gross mismanagement of the GSIS.

Garcia is facing a string of cases at the Ombudsman for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Corruption and extravagance are widespread at the GSIS under Garcia’s leadership. He has summarily and illegally dismissed employees merely for criticizing his decisions and policies. He runs the GSIS as if he and his family own the firm.

Garcia lacks the moral ascendancy to be a credible crusader. Papi should instead confer awards on the former GSIS employees who have been on a long and valiant crusade to oust Garcia from the GSIS for his incompetence and abuse.

—ALBERT M. VELASCO,
639 A. Cristobal St.,
Sampaloc, Manila