GSIS advances release of pension

MANILA — In response to Senator Bong Go’s appeal for GSIS to help its members and pensioners, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet on Sunday assured the public that the state pension fund will extend all the necessary assistance to its members and pensioners.

Senator Go, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography, specifically asked GSIS to (1) waive penalties for delayed remittances, (2) release pensions early and (3) grant emergency loans.

Macasaet said in a statement that they have extended a “grace period” on all premium remittances and loan payments that have to be paid this month. He said these can be paid on May 10 without penalty.

GSIS likewise extended to May 10 the due date for housing loan payments and rental payment for investment properties falling due this March.

Pensioners, on the other hand, will receive their pension for April earlier. The April pension is usually released by April 8.

Macasaet said they will also provide emergency loan for its members and pensioners. He asked that they be given a little more time to activate its nationwide implementation.

GSIS offers a Php20,000 emergency loan to active members and pensioners with an interest rate of 6 percent, payable in three years.