Probe looms over GSIS computerization program

MANILA, Philippines – A Congressional probe looms over the computerization initiatives of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) six years after the program was launched. Rep. Raul Gonzalez, Jr. (Iloilo City) filed House Resolution No. 1049 seeking to look into "glitches" in the GSIS' project. "In fact, there is a move by GSIS officials to pin the blame for all the confusion and inconveniences being encountered by GSIS members today to a glitch in their computer program," Gonzalez said in an article on the House of Representatives Web site. Gonzalez that said the GSIS' much-vaunted computerization project has yet to deliver on its promise of a faster, more efficient service delivery. He noted the insurer's massive computerization program began in May 2003 with the aim of providing fast and efficient service to its members. It involves the wholesale upgrading of computer hardware, installation of new software programs, overhauling of systems and procedures, reconciliation of manual and computer data, updating its premium contributions filing and posting of loan repayments. Gonzalez said, aside from individual complaints, five biggest government unions have indicated dissatisfaction with the computerization program. These include the Confederation of Independent Unions (CIU), Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa Government Financial Institutions (KAMAGFI), Public Service Labor Independent Confederation (PS-Link), and Alert and Concerned Employees for Better Social Security System (Access). - GMANews.TV