The Alliance of Concerned Teachers - Negros along with other cause-oriented groups in Bacolod, called on all public school teachers and other government employees to join the May 31 protest against what they called the "inhumane and unconscionable" policies of the Government Service Insurance System in a press conference yesterday.

The cause-oriented groups scored the GSIS for its failure to protect its members, and instead, have implemented oppressive laws and policies that rob members of benefits due them.

ACT-Negros chairperson Gilda Quiatchon said they have the support of Negros Occidental Schools Division Supt. Eva Belicena and Bago Schools Supt. Mildred Garay in their protest action.

Gladys Sales, president of the Bacolod City Public School Teachers Association said they will convene in front of the GSIS Bacolod office at 9 a.m. on May 31 and while it celebrates its 70th anniversary, they will push for a peaceful dialog with GSIS provincial head Ruth Hilado.

Sales said GSIS president Winston Garcia has failed to protect the members and instead, is out to protect the agency's own interests.

She cited in particular the Auto CLIP (Claims and Loans Interdependency Program) policy, which, she said, robbed retirees with outstanding loans from enjoying their retirement benefits.

Under the Auto CLIP policy, a retiree's outstanding loan balance will be automatically deducted from his or her retirement benefits, leaving some pensioners with nothing after retiring from service, Sales said. "The Auto CLIP is a `debt-sentence' for retirees with outstanding loan balance and it defeats the purpose of the GSIS itself," she said.

In a joint statement, ACT-Negros, ACT-BA, BCPSTA, urged all GSIS members and pensioners to join in a nationwide campaign to their rightful dues and scrap all the GSIS exploitative and oppressive policies.

The group also called for the ouster of Garcia from the GSIS.

They also lamented the simultaneous implementation of the `Paperless Transaction' and the eCard Plus enrollment and activation which caused delays in transactions and undue stress to members.

The groups said that implementation of these policies was made without proper coordination and communication to government agencies' concerned.

The GSIS also failed to answer members' letters of request for disclosure statements of all loans, and copies of member's records and all loan documents.

The BCPSTA also scored the agency for lack of consideration and respect to pensioners who could hardly walk and are almost dying but are required to go to the GSIS office to prove that they are still alive.

Echoing the sentiments of the teachers, Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees-Negros spokesperson Dan Alcoriza said GSIS has become a "private enterprise" of Garcia and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Alcoriza said COURAGE-Negros will join in the May 31 rally spearheaded by the teachers.*NB

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