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Protests mar GSIS anniversary

BAGUIO CITY (June 2) — Cordillera government workers joined the nationwide protest that greeted the 68th anniversary of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) this week.

Around 100 public workers staged a noise barrage noontime last May 31 at the People’s Park here to reiterate their longstanding call for the investigation and ouster of GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia.

According to Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) Coordinator Ces Peta, government workers are wondering why President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seems to favor Garcia despite all the controversies plaguing his leadership.

Peta reiterated that the charges against Garcia include mismanagement of funds, approval of questionable projects, implementation of anti-member policies, abuse of position and repression of employees’ rights.

Further, Peta stressed that government employees need a broader and stronger unity and action to address the GSIS issue. She encouraged public workers to hold more discussions of the issues confronting their ranks, pass board resolutions, actively participate in the continuing campaigns and activities on the said issue.

In addition, Dr. Ana Leung, convenor of the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW)-Cordillera stressed that Malacañang should be more responsible for Garcia’s actions.

“We must hound President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to explain why up to this time, in the midst of unresolved issues, many of which the CSC (Civil Service Commission), COA (Commission on Audit) and even Congress have established Garcia’s culpability, she has not replaced him as president and general manager of GSIS,” Leung stressed. # via NORDIS

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