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Sunday, September 14, 2008
C. Luzon teachers hold picket at GSIS
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Public school teachers in Central Luzon braved the rains and gathered in front of the Government Securities Insurance System (GSIS) recently to air their complaints and dissatisfaction with the agency's performance.
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The Action and Solidarity for the Empowerment of Teachers (Assert) and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PSTA) led the picket of over 250 teachers.
Leaving the comfort of their classrooms, the disgruntled teachers aired their sentiments and dissatisfaction with the current leadership of GSIS and the alleged "inhuman policies" of the agency.
Caesar Villarico, one of the organizers of the picket, said the move was also in accordance with the national rally done in the GSIS main office in Manila. Different teacher organizations all over Manila and nearby regions have also staged simultaneous rallies.
The teachers are protesting the alleged over-deductions from their salaries when they avail of loans, erroneous recording of monthly contributions, inaccurate preparation of their service records, spending of members' funds for projects outside the GSIS legal mandate, excessive allowances and bonuses of its officials and employees, among others.
Villarico said the first step that should be taken in reforming GSIS is to remove Winston Garcia from his post as the agency's president. He also lamented the inaction of the GSIS national office on the various complaints of GSIS members.
"Kapag may reklamo kami, parating itinuturo ng mga regional offices ang national office. Kapag may biglang patakaran, wala man lamang public consultation (If we have complaints, regional offices usually point to the national office. But in case of sudden rules, there is no public consultation)," said Rachel Sagisag of Morong, Bataan.
The group conducted a short program while those who were bringing vehicles honked their horns in protest. They then went to the GSIS main office in Manila to join a massive five-day protest by other teachers all across the country.
Villarico said they will not stop airing their sentiments and "educating" fellow teachers on the alleged abuses and inefficient service of GSIS. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (September 14, 2008 issue)
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