GSIS should improve services to members before Maharlika

Before officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) salivate over juicy prospects if the government pension funds are put in the controversial Maharlika Wealth Fund, they should look into improving the agency’s services to its members and retirees.

They should be straightforward in giving information if a retiree applicant is qualified or not, before proceeding to processing applications. I am citing my case. My application under Republic Act No. 8291 was accepted and processed for about four months.

In the first week of December, I was told my application was approved and that my pension was “malaki,” according to the processor. I was also instructed to acquire an e-card, an indication that I would indeed be getting a pension.

However, after building up my expectations, I was told I was actually only entitled to a separation benefit of P100,000, which will be deposited in my account. Which they did.

The point is, why was I not told that I am not qualified for pension at the very beginning? Why give me false hope all throughout the process?

Also, when I tried to access the funds deposited in my account, it was missing. It was taken back because of “errors” in computation and had to be “reprocessed.”

They had my documents for about four months and they discovered their “error” after they had released and deposited the money?

What kind of system are they implementing? Inefficiency is a kind word to describe their process. And now their chair, no less, is enthusiastically talking about putting the GSIS money—money of its members—into the so-called Maharlika sovereign wealth fund.

How can we expect transparency and efficiency in handling the Maharlika investments when they are error-prone in their basic function of serving retirees?

Danilo de Austria

Consumido,

[email protected]