GSIS backs KALINGA bill

The Government Service Insurance System has thrown its support behind House Bill No. 8834, or the KALINGA Act of 2026, amid concerns over a possible inflation surge beyond the current 7.2 percent level driven by the ongoing energy crisis.

The proposed measure, now under deliberation by the House Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD Committee), seeks to stabilize energy prices, ensure food security and shield low-income families and essential workers from the impact of rising fuel and commodity costs.

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso presented the pension fund’s position before the committee, stressing that the objectives of HB 8834 are aligned with the institution’s ongoing relief and assistance programs.

Veloso said the GSIS has already rolled out emergency support measures even before the proposed legislation was filed, citing the institution’s quick response following the declaration of a national energy emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“At the height of the fuel price spikes and following the declaration of a national energy emergency by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., we moved quickly (and) did not wait for legislation. We acted within our mandate, and the results are measurable,” Veloso said.

According to the GSIS chief, the institution has already implemented three major assistance programs since the energy emergency was declared: the Balik Ginhawa Loan, the Solar Emergency Loan (GSEL), and the recently launched Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL).

“The Balik Ginhawa moratorium returned nearly P9 billion to 562,000 members while the GSEL has been availed of by more than 10,000 members for a total of approximately ₱3.1 billion to help households reduce electricity costs through solar installations,” Veloso disclosed.

He added that the newly introduced GBEL program has already attracted more than 1,000 applicants amounting to around ₱133 million in loan applications aimed at reducing transportation expenses amid elevated fuel prices.

“Collectively, the three programs represent approximately ₱12.2 billion in committed relief to government employees and pensioners. In particular, GSEL and GBEL are designed to produce long-term savings for members (and) not just immediate liquidity. Balik Ginhawa addresses the emergency now. GSEL and GBEL help members manage costs over time. That distinction matters,” he asserted.

Veloso emphasized that all GSIS relief initiatives are anchored on Republic Act No. 8291, or the GSIS Charter, which mandates the institution to protect the integrity of the fund while ensuring the retirement security of its 2.1 million members and over 600,000 pensioners.

“The GSIS is ready to work with the (Senate) committee and with the government to make sure our lingkod-bayan are protected. We will do that, and we will do it responsibly,” he said. TRACY CABRERA