Saturday, July 26, 2008 Insurance agents storm government offices in Davao By Carlo P. Mallo
AT LEAST a hundred insurance agents who are providing the compulsory third party liability insurance (CPTL) stormed the regional offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Davao City.
The group is calling for a halt to the plan of the government to place the provision of CPTL under the sole jurisdiction of the GSIS.
However, GSIS 11 Manager Dominador C. Lim said they have not received any advisory or memorandum from the central office in Manila regarding the CPTL issue.
"We are not in the position to comment about it as it is not within our jurisdiction yet," Lim said.
Lim added that the protesters will not be allowed inside the premises of their office.
"They are not GSIS members and they not transaction with us," Lim added.
Lim also said that should there be a series of protests conducted in front of their office, he hopes the protesters will not disrupt their operations.
"Our primary concern is our members," Lim said.
On the other hand, LTO 11 Director Gomer Dy said the takeover that will be undertaken by the government is in the interest of the public.
"It is an order from the higher office in Manila, and we have to abide by it, there are reasons why the CPTL motor insurance is being taken over by the government," Dy said.
It was recently reported that GSIS chief Winston Garcia proposed the takeover. Garcia said the government stands to earn at least P2.5 billion annually from the move that will also eliminate the presence of bogus insurers.
