Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Wednesday defended its PHP1-billion investment in DigiPlus Interactive Corp., asserting that the pension fund remains 'strong, secure, and actuarially sound' despite mounting public concern and congressional scrutiny.

According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS stated that it welcomes the 'scrutiny and call for public disclosure' and is prepared to present all relevant documents to regulatory bodies. The state pension fund emphasized its commitment to act in the best interests of its members and pensioners, guided by its mandate to protect and grow the contributions of government workers.

GSIS reported PHP1.88 trillion in total assets and PHP76.82 billion in net operating income as of June 2025, a 31-percent increase from the same period last year. The agency maintained a five-year average return on investment of 6.75 percent. Despite this, GSIS acknowledged the need to continuously earn public trust and vowed to review its charter, investment policies, and risk exposure thresholds, especially in high-risk industries.

The statement followed a privilege speech by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who criticized the investment as 'alarming' and urged GSIS to justify its decision to invest in an online gambling platform. Hontiveros highlighted that GSIS bought shares at PHP65.30, which have since dropped to PHP13.68, and raised concerns about the contradiction with government efforts to combat online gambling.

Hontiveros's remarks were made in the context of the preventive suspension of GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo 'Wick' Veloso and six other officials last July. She stressed that the investment decision could affect public workers relying on GSIS for retirement and social security.