Manila: A relief model previously deployed during the energy crisis is now primed to support the proposed KALINGA Act of 2026, as the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) highlights delivering PHP12.2 billion in assistance to its members and pensioners. Speaking to the House Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Energy Action and Development, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso underscored how their programs exemplify scalable targeted interventions under the envisioned whole-of-government response in House Bill No. 8834.
According to Philippines News Agency, Veloso stated that during the fuel price spikes and subsequent national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., GSIS took swift action without waiting for legislative directives. "We acted within our mandate, and the results are measurable," Veloso emphasized, illustrating GSIS's proactive approach during the crisis.
GSIS rolled out three crucial programs: the Balik Ginhawa loan moratorium that returned nearly PHP9 billion to 562,000 members; the GSIS Solar Emergency Loan (GSEL), availed by over 10,000 members amounting to PHP3.1 billion; and the Ginhawa Bike and E-Mobility Loan (GBEL), which received applications from over 1,000 participants totaling PHP133 million since its inception. Veloso clarified that these initiatives address both immediate and long-term financial pressures faced by government employees.
Veloso also highlighted that GSIS's involvement in any expanded government framework will strictly adhere to its fiduciary mandate under Republic Act 8291, ensuring the retirement security of its 2.1 million members and over 600,000 pensioners. "The GSIS is ready to work with this committee and with the government to make sure our lingkod-bayan are protected. We will do that, and we will do it responsibly," Veloso assured.
The KALINGA bill, authored by Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos, aims to establish a national emergency response system. This system is designed to mitigate the impact of fuel-driven inflation, secure energy resources, and provide targeted aid to vulnerable sectors. The bill is currently under review by the LEAD Committee, formed to expedite a cohesive legislative response to oil price fluctuations stemming from tensions in the Middle East.
