Solon: GSIS chief should pay for Luna painting out of own pocket

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Winston Garcia should pay for Juan Luna’s P46-million "Parisian Life" painting, an opposition leader said yesterday.

"He should pay for it out of his own pocket. He should reimburse the GSIS," said House Deputy Minority Leader Rolex Suplico (LDP, Iloilo).

Suplico said Garcia, in buying "Parisian Life," acted in his private capacity and should now claim the painting as his personal property.

He said because the GSIS board did not authorize the purchase, three agency officials led by Garcia traveled to Hong Kong to participate in the auction for Luna’s masterpiece without travel authority from Malacañang.

He added that the three violated government rules requiring state personnel to secure Palace approval for any foreign trip.

Suplico pointed out that Garcia, if he does not pay for the painting, can be charged with estafa for using funds of the GSIS without authority from its board.

He also expressed puzzlement over the high price of "Parisian Life" since art collectors initially valued it at P14 million.

Earlier, Rep. Prospero Nograles (Lakas, Davao City) asked President Arroyo to fire Garcia for becoming "an embarrassment to her administration."

He said the decision of the GSIS head to splurge millions on a painting while government workers wait for months to get salary loans is difficult to justify.

If the agency has excess funds, its officials should have spent it on additional benefits for members, he said. – Jess Diaz