Three organizations representing government employees and retirees have expressed full support for the leadership of the Government Service Insurance System under president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso, citing transparency, sound financial management and continued engagement with members.
The Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) with over 600,000 members, Philippine Alliance of Retired Educators (PARE) with 280,000 members and GSIS Retirees Association Inc. (GRAI) each conveyed their confidence in the direction the GSIS is taking amid recent public discussions regarding its investments and governance.
In respective statements and meetings with Veloso, the groups emphasized that they have personally witnessed the institution’s openness and responsiveness to the concerns of its members and pensioners.
‘We saw how Veloso carefully managed (the GSIS) and his honest service to government workers,’ said PGEA president Esperanza Ocampo.
The PARE, led by former Department of Education undersecretary Jesus Mateo and founder Abigael Ignacio, also met with Veloso and other GSIS officials to discuss the concerns of retirees, including dividends, pension increases and Christmas cash gifts.
‘We want to be your advocate in letting everyone know that GSIS is strong and stable,’ Mateo said, adding that the group will help disseminate accurate information about its programs and financial standing.
The GRAI also conveyed its ‘100 percent support’ for Veloso and the GSIS management, recognizing that prudent investments are essential to sustaining the fund for future generations.
‘We know that GSIS needs to invest because contributions alone are not enough to sustain the benefits of all members,’ the group said.
Veloso told the groups that reports of losses are false, as he noted that the GSIS remains financially strong as guided by the principles of safety, liquidity and yield.
He added that all investment decisions undergo multiple levels of review.
Veloso assured the groups that GSIS exercises prudence and continues to place the majority of its funds in risk-free instruments such as government securities and member loans.
‘We value the trust of our members and pensioners. That is why we welcome opportunities to clarify issues directly and explain the facts,’ Veloso said.
He noted that the recent appointment of new GSIS trustees has strengthened teamwork and stability within the institution, allowing governance and management to move forward with a shared focus on member welfare.
During the dialogue with PARE, newly appointed trustee Cenon Audencial Jr. expressed his commitment to supporting the retirees.
According to Veloso, the dialogues form part of GSIS’s continuing efforts to maintain open communication with stakeholders.
‘We thank our partners in the public service community for their continued trust and collaboration. Together, we can ensure Ginhawa for All,’ Veloso said.