|
Last
Monday, we finally accepted the challenge to help the beleaguered
pensions of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
whose monthly pensions were highly jeopardized due to the
shift from the usual procedure in getting their pensions.
Their
woes had long been echoed by local radio stations like "Pulso"
anchored by Barangay Kagawad Batchoy Alba and Chito Visarra.
After more than a month since it reached the proper government
offices, nothing seemed to happen.
At
first, we hesitated to accept the challenge as this province
is abound with lawyers who can extend the much-needed legal
assistance but it would seem that there was no taker at all.
*
* * * * * * *
Former
OIC Gov. Victor de la Serna, a bar topnotcher, earlier pledged
his legal services to the GSIS pensioners if ever they decide
to take their woes to the court. However, de la Serna made
it clear that he would only be doing the legal consultancy
for the matter.
After
soliciting the support of City Councilor Oscar B. Glovasa,
another bar topnothcer, we finally decided to join forces
to fight the cause of the GSIS pensioners.
Starting
yesterday, we deployed two para-legal officers to receive
the complaints of the GSIS pensions in our law office in front
of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital and at the
Glovasa Law Office in front of the Tagbilaran City Central
School.
*
* * * * * * *
This
is not the first time that we have done legal work side by
side with de la Serna and Glovasa and we look forward to working
with them once again but pro bono this time.
We
therefore enjoin the adversely affected GSIS pensions to bring
their cause so that the proper documentation and preparation
of pleadings can be done for the next two weeks.
The
former OIC governor planned that instead of instituting a
class suit against GSIS particularly Winston Garcia, a different
approach will be made in order to fast track the results.
*
* * * * * * * *
Lest
we be misunderstood of politicking, we are not limiting our
services to GSIS pensioners in the city alone but province-wide.
But
if ever some would still insist that we have vested political
interest in this undertaking then so be it. It's good politics
after all.
As
of yesterday afternoon, we received two GSIS pensions in our
law office. We expect more to come today until Friday before
we shall consolidate the names of the complainants with the
Glovasa Law Office this coming weekend.
*
* * * *
For
comments and suggestions, just e-mail to the following e-mail addresses: obiter@boholchronicle.com | 
