GSIS says funds secure, welcomes Senate probe into online gaming investment

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the pension fund for state workers, is open to an investigation into its investment activities after a senator flagged its purchase of shares in an online gaming company.

In a statement on Wednesday, GSIS said it “fully supports transparency and accountability in all its investment activities and shall cooperate with oversight institutions and regulatory bodies in connection with its investment in DigiPlus Interactive Corp.”

“We welcome the scrutiny and call for public disclosure from various sectors, and we are prepared to present all relevant documents and data to the appropriate authorities. As stewards of public trust, we affirm our unwavering commitment to act in the best interests of our members and pensioners,” the pension fund said.

GSIS issued the statement after Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her privilege speech, revealed that the pension fund had invested approximately P1 billion in DigiPlus when its share price was at its peak of P65.30 per share, but had since dropped to a low of P13.68 per share.

With this, Senator Erwin Tulfo made a manifestation on the floor, committing to investigate the information divulged by Hontiveros. 

Amid the investment issue, GSIS made an assurance that “the GSIS Social Insurance Fund remains strong, secure, and actuarially sound.”

In particular, the pension fund stated that its total assets stood at P1.88 trillion as of the end of June 2025 and it recorded a net operating income of P76.82 billion, representing a 31% year-over-year increase.

“We have consistently enjoyed a five-year average return on investments at 6.75%,” GSIS said.

The pension fund said, “in light of recent developments,” it will continue to comprehensively review its charter, investment policies, risk exposure thresholds, and sectoral guidelines, particularly those involving sensitive or high-risk industries. 

“This will ensure alignment with our members’ evolving expectations and the highest standards of ethical and fiduciary responsibility,” GSIS said.

“We remain guided by our mandate: to protect and grow the hard-earned contributions of government workers… Still, we recognize that public trust must be continuously earned,” it added. –NB, GMA Integrated News