Iloilo gov't employees stage protest vs GSIS irregularities
Government employees in Iloilo yesterday joined a protest rally over alleged irregularities in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Hundreds of employees led by the Alliance of Public Sector Employees (APSE) assembled at the Iloilo provincial capitol grounds before marching to the GSIS regional office along Iznart Street where they held a protest rally.
The protesters included public school teachers, employees of various government agencies and corporations, district hospitals and local government units.
The employees carried streamers and placards condemning GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia for alleged corruption. The employees called for Garcia's resignation.
The protesters said many GSIS members have been suffering over their accounts and record.
"It has been four years already and until now, the computer upgrading of the records of the employees and retirees has not been done. Many employees are already up against erroneous entries in their records, still reflecting loans which have been already paid in previous years. This is too burdensome for government employees who continue to pay for loans which they have not made," Irma Espinosa, APSE Panay coordinator, said in a statement.
Garcia has repeatedly draw ire from GSIS members over alleged mismanagement of funds of the insurance system and over corruption allegations.
He has consistently denied the allegations and have insisted on remaining on his post.
A close ally of the President, Garcia has kept his position despite continued calls for the President to replace him.
"We are also dismayed that even retired public sector employees are having a hard time in claiming their benefits. They are still required to appear personally at the GSIS office for their confirmation and enrollment," said Espinosa.
Espinosa said they are also concerned with reports that that a portion of GSIS fund is being transferred to the Office of the President.
"These funds are for the government employees and retirees. We want to protect our funds," she said.