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THE AGONY IS SOON TO END. Pensioners
of the GSIS, including some disabled, continue to sacrifice
queuing along the busy CPG Avenue, near Plaza Rizal. (Story
below) Foto DANNY REYES |
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Old
age pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System
(GSIS) may no longer have to come to the city and endure
long queues in claiming their monthly pension through
the lone Union Bank branch here.
This,
as Gov. Erico Aumentado, through the intercession of
Pres. Gloria Arroyo, have agreed in principle that GSIS
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president
Winston Garcia will enter into an arrangement with the First
Consolidated Bank (FCB) to be its conduit in releasing pension
claims.
According
to Aumentado, FCB chair Richard Uy agreed to put up ATM machines
in its 22 branches in the towns to serve the purpose.
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Uy
likewise assured that in towns where there is no FCB
branch, ATM facilities will be installed in a place
accessible to the pensioners, said the governor.
Aumentado
met with Pres. Arroyo Friday in Malacañang to
discuss the plight of old age and disabled pensioners
who are often exposed to rain and the heat of the sun
in claiming their pension using the E-Card at the lone
Union Bank branch in the city.
Through
the FCB ATMs, usually sick pensioners "will no
longer be burdened of coming to Tagbilaran City,"
the governor said.
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Since
the E-Card system was introduced by GSIS, pensioners have
complained on its inconveniences especially for those living
in the remote areas.
"The
E-Card may be a blessing for pensioners residing in cities
and urban areas but it is a bane for those living in remote
places," the governor explained.
A
pensioner from the island town of President Garcia, off the
governor's hometown Ubay, will have to travel about 125 kilometers
going to Tagbilaran City and spend for a minimum fare of P200.
Worse,
the pensioner may be forced to stay in the city overnight
if the queue at Union Bank is too long. It will be an extra
burden and more expensive for sick or disabled pensioners
who has to bring a companion.
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Aumentado
has been negotiating to ease the burden of old age pensioners
since last year when he was still president of the League
of Provinces of the Philippines which drew support from
other governors who also experienced the same complaints
from pensioners in their province.
The
request of the governors league was ignore by GSIS top
management even as some congressmen also request6ed
for the same consideration for the old age pensioners.
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AUMENTADO |
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