GSIS tells LLDA: We don’t pollute Manila Bay

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Tuesday maintained that it is compliant with the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s (LLDA) regulations in meeting the standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the discharge of its wastewater.

In a news statement, the GSIS said that it has been compliant with LLDA regulations and has been consistent in submitting quarterly self-monitoring reports, and urged the LLDA to revoke the notice of violation accusing the agency of contributing to the pollution of Manila Bay.

“In the interest of fairness, we are requesting LLDA to revoke the notice of violation issued to GSIS at the height of the Manila Bay cleanup drive. It turns out that the basis of this alleged violation was the test where LLDA representatives used water samples taken from the inlet of the last stage of treatment and not at the exit stage of our sewage treatment plant [STP],” GSIS President and General Manager Jesus Clint O. Aranas said.

The GSIS also said that it is a staunch advocate of environment protection as shown in its corporate social responsibility projects which include its support to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Meanwhile, the GSIS sent its recommendation to President Duterte in line with increasing the minimum basic pension of its old age and disability pensioners to P6,000 earlier this month.

The GSIS said that in its recommendation, the increase of P1,000 in the minimum pension should be effective by February this year, with the proposal benefiting around 67,201 old age and disability pensioners.

The GSIS law or Republic Act 8291, provides that the basic monthly pension may be adjusted upon the recommendation of the president and general manager of GSIS, and approved by the President of the Philippines.