Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) unveiled on Wednesday major pension reforms and digital innovations. During the recent ceremonial launch of the Social Security System (SSS) Pension Reform Program, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed both GSIS and SSS to safeguard members' trust, invest wisely, and make services accessible not only through digital platforms but also in remote communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS officer in charge Juliet Bautista stated that the agency acted on these directives by removing the survivorship pension cap, allowing surviving spouses to receive the full 50 percent of their partner's pension. The GSIS also abolished the cohabitation rule, ensuring pensions are no longer suspended if the beneficiary lives with another partner. Additionally, the rules on the Christmas cash gift were relaxed so pensioners who complete their Annual Pensioners' Information Revalidation (APIR) after April still qualify for the benefit. Furthermore, the GSIS has fully digitized pension applications through the GSIS Touch app, which also enables APIR, loan applications, and other services without visiting GSIS offices.

The GSIS Board of Trustees is also reviewing its investment policies to further strengthen governance, risk management, and sustainability. "These reforms are not just changes in rules. They are statements of our commitment to make our systems more humane, responsive, and inclusive," Bautista said.

The reforms were launched alongside activities for National Pensioners' Week from Sept. 8 to 12, which featured forums, wellness programs, livelihood initiatives, recognition ceremonies, and financial literacy campaigns nationwide.