GSIS delivers P12.2 billion in crisis relief

THE GOVERNMENT Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Wednesday said it delivered P12.2 billion in financial relief to its members as part of efforts to cushion the economic impact of the oil crisis.

These were driven mainly by disbursements from the Balik Ginhawa loan moratorium program, the GSIS Solar Emergency Loan (GSEL), and the Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL) which were all launched after the declaration of the national energy emergency, the state pension fund said in a press release.

Under the Balik Ginhawa loan moratorium program, the GSIS returned nearly P9 billion to P562,000 members.

More than 10,000 members also availed for the GSEL, adding up to P3.1 billion disbursed for the reduction of electricity costs through solar installations.

The GSIS also drew more than 1,000 applications under the GBEL in just a day after its launch on May 5, representing P133 million to finance brand-new bicycles and electric mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, cargo e-bikes, folding e-bikes, and other similar electric-powered transport units.

The GBEL is aimed at reducing transportation costs as fuel prices remain elevated.

Collectively, the three programs make up about P12.2 billion in committed relief to government employees and pensioners.

GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso said the relief architecture of the GSIS is aligned with the comprehensive emergency response bill being pushed in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Veloso on Tuesday told a House committee that the GSEL and GBEL are designed to produce long-term savings for members, instead of just immediate liquidity. “Balik Ginhawa addresses the emergency now. GSEL and GBEL help members manage costs over time. That distinction matters,” he said.

The committee was tackling House Bill No. 8834, or the KALINGA Act of 2026, which seeks to establish a national emergency response framework to address fuel-driven inflation, ensure energy security, and deliver targeted assistance to vulnerable sectors.

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