During the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on April 20, 2026, BM Eunice Galima-Gambol, MPA raised urgent concerns over discrepancies in government-mandated employee benefits, calling for immediate action to reconcile arrears affecting public servants in the province.
Galima-Gambol delivered a privilege speech highlighting mounting arrears in employees’ accounts with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). She emphasized that while contributions are regularly deducted from employees’ salaries, delays or lapses in remittance have resulted in inaccurate records that could jeopardize workers’ retirement benefits.
The board member stressed that even minor discrepancies in GSIS records could lead to reduced or lost benefits, undermining years of service rendered by provincial employees. She stressed that such issues go beyond administrative concerns, describing them as a matter of employee rights and welfare.
“This is not merely procedural—it is humanitarian,” she said, noting that affected employees have no control over the remittance process yet bear the consequences of the discrepancies.
She also flagged limitations in the GSIS “Balik Ginhawa” loan moratorium program, which is intended to provide temporary financial relief. According to her, some employees are unable to fully benefit from the program, receiving only two months of relief instead of the intended three due to existing arrears reflected in their accounts.
She called on concerned offices to expedite the reconciliation and verification of GSIS records, particularly given the time-sensitive nature of the moratorium program. She warned that delays in resolving these issues could defeat the purpose of providing immediate assistance during challenging economic conditions.
In addition, she proposed a broader audit of other statutory contributions, including those to the PagIBIG Fund and PhilHealth, to ensure that all employee benefits are properly remitted and accurately recorded.
Galima-Gambol urged government agencies to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accountability in managing employee contributions. She emphasized that these benefits are not privileges but rights earned through years of public service.
Board Member Galima-Gambol concluded by calling for immediate coordination among relevant offices to address the issue with urgency, reaffirming the provincial government’s responsibility to protect the welfare of its workforce. /bgl
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