GSIS offers P3-month loan moratorium to members amid Middle East crisis

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced Wednesday that it is offering a modified three-month moratorium on the payment of loans of its members as the country reels from the impact of the heightened tensions in the Middle East. 

In a Facebook post, the GSIS said that under its Balik Ginhawa Program, it will refund three month’s worth of loan payments directly to the accounts of the applicants for immediate use. 

This would cover December 2025 to February 2026 period.

Unlike the traditional loan moratorium where members temporarily stop paying and receive the benefit gradually over several months, the GSIS said that the Balik Ginhawa program’s refund mechanism would allow members to receive the amortizations in one lump sum. Loan deductions would also continue. 

Members who wish to avail may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile application. Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties.

The GSIS said that applying in the program is voluntary and members may choose not to avail. 

GSIS president and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said the program was designed to deliver immediate and more impactful assistance while safeguarding the long-term interests of members.

“Sa ganitong paraan, agad ninyo itong magagamit para sa inyong mga pangangailangan. Mananatili ang regular na salary deductions upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at katatagan ng GSIS, at upang patuloy na mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga miyembro nito,” Veloso said in a statement.

(This way, you can immediately use the benefits for your needs. Regular salary deductions will remain to maintain the order and stability of the GSIS, and to continue safeguarding the welfare of its members.) 

This came following the declaration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of a state of national energy emergency, ordering the adoption of a Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) for affected sectors. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ/AOL, GMA News