A group of pensioners who visited her office last Friday and sought her help said their claims have been delayed for three months now, Oreta said.
"It is ironic that while the GSIS trumpets that it has some P20 billion in excess funds, the agency could not even pay for claims that amount to as low as P800 and as high as P3,500," Oreta said in a statement.
Oreta said she could not understand how the GSIS could afford to buy a Juan Luna masterpiece – "Parisian Life" – last year for P50.6 million at a Hong Kong auction by Christie’s and be delayed in releasing pensions.
GSIS president Winston Garcia was criticized by some quarters for the purchase, saying it was a waste of their money. Defending the purchase, Garcia said the country should protect the country’s heritage and that the GSIS had surplus funds.
While stressing she had no dispute over protecting the country’s historical treasures, Oreta said: "Instead of contributing to the financial woes of government employees, the GSIS board should be channeling these excess funds to give more benefits to its members." – Jose Rodel Clapano