Unauthorized fees charged for insurance benefits?

I have a complaint filed with the Insurance Commission (IC) against an insurance company for unauthorized collection of administrative fees from planholders whose plans have matured or who are availing themselves of their benefits, even if these fees are not specifically stated in the contract.

The complaint was filed on April 19, 2010 and mediation conferences were conducted on Aug. 3, 2010 and Aug. 26, 2010 after which it was forwarded to IC’s Conservatorship, Receivership and Liquidation Division.

Until now, I have not received IC’s ruling on the question of whether this insurance company is authorized to collect administrative fees. To date, the proceeds of my yearly cash benefits have been deducted twice. I have sent several follow-up letters to Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc regarding the matter. Unfortunately, I have not received any reply and I am wondering what is taking his agency too long to reply. And while the case is not yet resolved, I believe there are so many silent aggrieved planholders affected by these unauthorized impositions.

It is therefore of utmost urgency that the case be resolved immediately.

—ERNESTO N. OLAGUER,

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