I’ve fallen for sensational headlines before. You probably have too. The kind that screams “BILLIONS LOST!” and instantly makes your morning coffee taste bitter. So when I first saw news about the GSIS and alleged “losses,” I braced myself for another disappointing government story. But as I dug deeper, what I found wasn’t a scandal—it was a lesson in how perception and patience can collide.
Like many Filipinos, I have a relative who depends on her GSIS pension every month. For her, “fund loss” isn’t just a headline—it’s a fear that hits close to home. That’s why this story matters not only to public employees but to anyone who still believes that trust, once broken, can be rebuilt.
The Real Score: What’s Happening Inside GSIS
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), which serves millions of government employees and retirees, found itself under scrutiny recently. Reports claimed it had lost ₱8.8 billion due to investment decisions made under President and General Manager Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso.
But here’s the catch: three major organizations—the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA), the Philippine Alliance of Retired Educators (PARE), and the GSIS Retirees Association Inc. (GRAI)—have publicly supported Veloso’s leadership.
They insist that GSIS remains financially healthy, with total assets growing to ₱1.92 trillion and net income soaring past ₱100 billion, exceeding projections by 51%. Those are not the numbers of an institution in crisis.
Did You Know?
GSIS’s fund life is now projected to last until 2058, ensuring financial security for future generations of civil servants.
The Perspective Gap: When Leaders See Differently
The GSIS itself called the controversy a “difference in perspectives” about investment strategies—not a financial meltdown.
It’s an important distinction. Some board members resigned over disagreements, but the organization continued operating with transparency, emphasizing that all investments undergo multi-level reviews for safety, liquidity, and yield.
Let’s face it—when big institutions manage massive funds, disagreements are inevitable. But as Veloso put it, “We value our members’ trust. That’s why we welcome opportunities to explain the facts directly.”
That’s rare in public service—a willingness to confront misinformation head-on rather than hide behind press releases.
What This Means for You and Me
Even if you’re not a government worker, this story is about more than pensions—it’s about trust. When trust wavers, rumors thrive. When leaders communicate clearly, people breathe easier.
I remember once panicking after reading a misleading financial post online. I almost withdrew my modest savings because of “doom predictions.” It turned out to be exaggerated clickbait. That day taught me that information literacy is financial literacy.
We can’t afford to let noise dictate our understanding—especially when it concerns people’s livelihoods.
The 3-Day Trust Check: A Mini Challenge
Here’s a little experiment I’ve tried whenever headlines trigger anxiety:
Day 1 – Pause and Verify:
Before reacting, spend 10 minutes checking at least two credible news sources (GMA, Inquirer, or official government websites).
Day 2 – Ask and Discuss:
Talk about what you found with a friend, colleague, or family member. Sometimes perspective clears confusion faster than scrolling does.
Day 3 – Decide and Reflect:
Ask yourself: Did the facts change my emotional response? If yes, that’s growth. If not, try again next time.
The goal isn’t blind trust—it’s informed trust.
Where GSIS Goes from Here
Despite public debate, GSIS continues to invest prudently, prioritizing low-risk instruments like government securities and member loans, and steering clear of gambling-related ventures.
Organizations representing over 800,000 members and retirees have reaffirmed their support, emphasizing that responsible investments—not knee-jerk reactions—keep the institution sustainable.
So yes, the story of GSIS isn’t one of collapse but of resilience and reform.
Closing Thoughts: Trust, Tested but Intact
Remember that relative I mentioned at the start? She called me last week, calmer this time. “Anak,” she said, “I heard GSIS explained everything. I think we’re okay.”
It struck me how much peace can come from clarity.
The GSIS story reminds us that public trust isn’t given—it’s earned, explained, and maintained, one honest conversation at a time.
And maybe that’s the real message for all of us: before we lose faith, let’s first seek truth.
👉 What about you? Have you ever changed your mind after learning the full story? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them.
