PB backs giving GSIS benefits to councilors who served for 9 yrs

CEBU, Philippines — The Provincial Board has passed a resolution supporting the call to allow city and municipal councilors who have served for nine years to avail of the benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Last January 17, 2019, the Philippine Councilors League National Executive Officers and National Board (PCL) unanimously adopted the request to allow councilors to avail of the GSIS benefits after having served for nine years instead of fifteen.

In the resolution, PCL President Francis Edward Salimbangon, ex-officio member of the Provincial Board, explained that the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 limits councilors to three consecutive terms. Each term only allows three years in office.

"Following the logic laid down in both RA 7160 and RA 8291, the three full term of nine years of service for a councilor is still wanting, and such disqualifies him/her to claim GSIS benefits," the resolution reads.

This would then disallow councilors to avail of the benefits unless they serve for another two terms.

Salimbangon said that making GSIS benefits accessible to councilors would lessen "anticipation of uncertainties due to unfortunate illness, accidents or loss."

This would also provide a source of financial security not only for the councilors but also for their families. (FREEMAN)