GSIS offers three-month loan relief to gov’t workers amid rising fuel costs

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced on Wednesday, April 1, that it will provide a three-month loan amortization moratorium for government employees through a refund mechanism to help ease the financial burden caused by the Middle East conflict.

Under the Balik Ginhawa program, GSIS will refund three months of loan payments, covering December 2025 to February 2026, in a single lump sum.

This approach differs from traditional loan relief, where members temporarily stop payments and receive benefits gradually over a number of months.

“The initiative supports the broader whole-of-government approach under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to cushion the impact of rising living costs,” the GSIS said. 

The agency said participation in the program is voluntary. Members who opt to avail the offer can apply through the GSIS Touch application, subject for approval. 

Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties, the GSIS said.

Wick Veloso, GSIS president and general manager, said the program was designed to protect the long-term interest of members, while providing immediate relief.

“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,” he said in a press statement.

[Translation: In this way, you can immediately use it for your needs. Regular salary deductions will continue to ensure the order and stability of GSIS, and to continuously safeguard the welfare of its members.]

Last week, Sen. Imee Marcos urged the GSIS, the Social Security System, the Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to temporarily suspend the collection of contributions and loan payments for at least a month.

Philhealth rejected the call, saying regular collections are necessary for uninterrupted services and benefits.

SSS earlier said it is reviewing the feasibility of offering a loan moratorium and a condonation program for contribution penalties for employers.

The president has declared a national energy emergency amid the Middle East crisis, triggering a whole-of-government response to secure energy supply and implement measures to protect consumers and other stakeholders.