GSIS directed to resolve system-wide computer problems
The government is closely monitoring developments at the GSIS after President Arroyo directed Garcia to institute contingency measures to help resolve its system-wide computer problems that are creating delays in the processing and payment of claims and benefits of its members and pensioners.
During a regional media interview President Arroyo said that “we have been assured that an operational fix of the problem is being vigorously pursued as part of a long-term solution to the problem. Anyway, let us just continue to monitor the development at the GSIS very closely”.
According to the Malacanang press report, GSIS General Manager Winston Garcia acknowledged there is indeed a problem with their computer system, a component of which collapsed, rendering it unable to cope with the large volume of transactions it regularly processes.
Garcia said the GSIS has stepped up manual processing of benefits claim backlogs that resulted from their data base collapse.
Noting the manual processing, President Arroyo asked the GSIS to hire more clerks through emergency employment programs to do the manual works.
The President directed GSIS General Manager Winston Garcia to set aside 1.5 percent of their annual budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) for employment programs.
The Malacanang press report disclosed that under Executive Order 782, which was issued during the recent Jobs and Business Growth Summit in Malacanang, the President said the 1.5 percent of the MOOE of government agencies could fund the hiring of some 180,000 contractual workers nationwide to help reduce unemployment. (PIA6/T.Villavert)