PB member Victor Maambong has filed a resolution to this effect in response to the numerous complaints reaching his office, most of which came from the old pensioners who do not know how to use the card, or have no access to the terminals or facilities where the card can be used.
"It is not only proper for the GSIS to address these complaints but it is also their obligation to provide easy, efficient, and convenient payments of their pensions as they once have contributed to our government insurance system," Maambong's proposed resolution read.
The GSIS E-Card serves as the official identification card of approximately 1.5 million GSIS members and pensioners. It can also be used by holders for any legal transaction, such as opening a bank account or encashment of checks, according to GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia.
This new policy of GSIS is in pursuant to the Electronic Commerce Law to advance paperless transactions in the government agencies.
It also adapted the concept of an ATM-cum-debit card, where holders can make deposits and withdrawals through its partner banks.
However, a number of complaints from old pensioners as regards its mechanism in using ought to be addressed considering that the said government institution flourishes through the contributions of its members, according to Maambong.
As such, Maambong in his proposed measure is urging GSIS to immediately take a look at this particular concern of old pensioners.
His proposed measure will be taken up in this afternoon's regular session of the PB. - Cristina C. Birondo