Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday raised concerns over the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) after it allegedly invested over ₱1 billion in the online gambling platform DigiPlus.
“Mukhang may isa pang klase ng pagwawaldas ng pera na dapat nating bantayan,” Hontiveros said in her privilege speech.
Hontiveros revealed that under the leadership of suspended GSIS President Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, the GSIS invested in DigiPlus when the platform's shares were at a high of Php 65.30. However, the shares have since dropped significantly to Php 13.68, resulting in substantial financial losses.
She expressed her dismay over the situation, stressing that it is unacceptable for a government agency to gamble with the hard-earned money of government workers.
“Eh tayo nga po, mga kasamang nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno, ni hindi puwedeng tumungtong sa casino. Bakit ang GSIS todo-taya at ginawang puhunan ang pera ng public employees sa sugalan?” she said.
Furthermore, she criticized the current GSIS leadership for its “reckless and questionable” investment decisions.
The concern was echoed by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, chairperson of the Committee on Games and Amusement, and vowed to investigate the case.
“I just wanted to express my support for what our good Senator (Sen. Risa Hontiveros) had said regarding her exposure on what's happening at the GSIS under the administration of Jose Arnulfo Veloso,” Tulfo said.
At present, the GSIS manages assets totaling over Php 1.83 trillion and serves more than 2.7 million Filipinos through its membership program.
