Tinio calls for House probe into GSIS investments in gambling-related firms
At A Glance
- ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio is calling for a House inquiry into the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)'s controversial P1.45-billion investment in gambling-related companies.
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio is calling for a House inquiry into the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)'s controversial P1.45-billion investment in gambling-related companies.
This, as the Makabayan solon described the move as a betrayal of public trust, especially of teachers who "sacrifice portions of their already meager salaries" for such contributions.
Tinio says it pains him to know that the retirement funds of government employees, including teachers, are only used for gambling. He bared his plan to file a resolution to probe GSIS' investment practices.
"This is not just poor investment judgment—this is a moral outrage," he said as Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed in her privilege speech that there were supposedly GSIS investments companies with gambling operations.
Tinio was alarmed over the P251.37-million valuation loss already suffered by GSIS on such questionable investments, especially since these funds represent the hard-earned contributions of teachers and other government workers who struggle with low wages.
He also questioned the process behind these investments.
He noted that one of the gambling-related companies' market capitalization was reportedly below the P15-billion minimum required by GSIS policy for investable companies. Its shares were not even listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange at the time of purchase.
“Tinaya sa mga kuwestyunableng stocks at natalo. Sino ang nakinabang? Samantala, pensyon at benepisyo ng mga GSIS members ang apektado (They gambled the funds to questionable stocks and lost. Now, who's benefiting from it while the pension and benefits of GSIS members are at risk)?" he said.
"Teachers sacrifice portions of their already meager salaries for their GSIS contributions, trusting that their money will be invested wisely and ethically. Instead, we find out that GSIS is funding an industry that destroys families and communities through gambling addiction," he added.
The lawmaker then urged the immediate withdrawal of GSIS funds from all gambling-related investments, as he said that he would "fight for transparency and accountability in the management of our teachers' pension funds".