Change proof-of-life rule for pensioners amid pandemic: solon

FILE: Commuters wait for public utility vehicles at the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal on Monday (June 1, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) to change their “proof of life” rule for their pensioners amid the continued spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Quezon City Rep. Precious Castelo said the requirement that a pensioner should personally report to the nearest GSIS or SSS office on his or her birthday to prove that he or she is alive should be temporarily suspended.

Castelo said while the personal appearance requirement aims to foreclose the possibility that GSIS or SSS continues to pay pension benefits to a dead retiree, it is against the policy of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) prohibiting senior citizens from going out unless they have to buy household essentials or they are working in permitted establishments.

“But at this time of (a) pandemic, it is unsafe for pensioners, who by the way are senior citizens, to go out of their homes and report to the GSIS or SSS office nearest them,” she said.

She suggested that instead of requiring their pensioners to personally report to their offices or branches on their birthday, the GSIS or SSS could take the initiative to reach their retirees via the Internet or mobile communication devices.

She said a retiree could also be asked to submit a video or photo showing him or her with the day’s newspaper.

Another way of verifying whether a retiree is alive is through the bank where GSIS or SSS deposits his or her pension, she noted.

“Let’s not burden our pensioners with asking them to go to a GSIS or SSS branch for proof of life, at least while this infectious virus is with us when there are other ways of verification,” she added.