May 30, 1997 election or appointment, irrespective of status of appointment,

including barangay and sanggunian officials;

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8291
"(e) Active Member A member who is not separated from the
AN ACT AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1146, AS service;
AMENDED, EXPANDING AND INCREASING THE
COVERAGE AND BENEFITS OF THE GOVERNMENT "(f) Dependents Dependents shall be the following: (a) the
SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, INSTITUTING REFORMS legitimate spouse dependent for support upon the member or
THEREIN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES pensioner; (b) the legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted child,
including the illegitimate child, who is unmarried, not gainfully
SECTION 1. Presidential Decree No. 1146, as amended, otherwise employed, not over the age of majority, or is over the age of majority
known as the "Revised Government Service Insurance Act of 1977", is but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or
hereby further amended to read as follows: physical defect acquired prior to age of majority; and (c) the parents
dependent upon the member for support;
"SECTION 1. Title. The short title of this Act shall be: 'The
Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997.' "(g) Primary beneficiaries The legal dependent spouse until he/she

"A. DEFINITIONS remarries and the dependent children;

"SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. Unless the context otherwise "(h) Secondary beneficiaries The dependent parents and, subject to
indicates, the following terms shall mean: the restrictions on dependent children, the legitimate descendants;

"(a) GSIS The Government Service Insurance System created by "(i) Compensation The basic pay or salary received by an
Commonwealth Act No. 186; employee, pursuant to his election/appointment, excluding per diems,
bonuses, overtime pay, honoraria, allowances and any other
"(b) Board The Board of Trustees of the Government Service emoluments received in addition to the basic pay which are not
Insurance System; integrated into the basic pay under existing laws;

"(c) Employer The national government, its political subdivisions, "(j) Contribution The amount payable to the GSIS by the member
branches, agencies or instrumentalities, including government-owned and the employer in accordance with Section 5 of this Act;
or controlled corporations, and financial institutions with original
charters, the constitutional commissions and the judiciary; "(k) Current Daily Compensation The actual daily compensation or
the actual monthly compensation divided by the number of working
"(d) Employee or Member Any person, receiving compensation days in the month of contingency but not to exceed twenty-two (22)
while in the service of an employer as defined herein, whether by days;
"(l) Average Monthly Compensation (AMC) The quotient arrived at eliminates his/her capacity to continue with his/her current gainful
after dividing the aggregate compensation received by the member occupation or engage in any other gainful occupation;
during his last thirty-six (36) months of service preceding his
separation/retirement/disability/death by thirty-six (36), or by the "(r) Total Disability Complete incapacity to continue with his
number of months he received such compensation if he has less than present employment or engage in any gainful occupation due to the
thirty-six (36) months of service: Provided, That the average monthly loss or impairment of the normal functions of the physical and/or
compensation shall in no case exceed the amount and rate as may be mental faculties of the member;
respectively set by the Board under the rules and regulations
implementing this Act as determined by the actuary of the GSIS: "(s) Permanent Total Disability Accrues or arises when recovery
Provided, further, That initially the average monthly compensation from the impairment mentioned in Section 2(Q) is medically remote;
shall not exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00), and premium shall
be nine percent (9%) and twelve percent (12%) for employee and "(t) Temporary Total Disability Accrues or arises when the impaired
employer covering the AMC limit and below; and two percent (2%) physical and/or mental faculties can be rehabilitated and/or restored to
and twelve percent (12%) for employee and employer covering the their normal functions;
compensation above the AMC limit;
"(u) Permanent Partial Disability Accrues or arises upon the
"(m) Revalued average monthly compensation An amount equal to irrevocable loss or impairment of certain portion/s of the physical
one hundred seventy percent (170%) of the first One thousand pesos faculties, despite which the member is able to pursue a gainful
(P1,000) of the average monthly compensation plus one hundred occupation.
percent (100%) of the average monthly compensation in excess of One
thousand pesos (P1,000); "B. MEMBERSHIP IN THE GSIS

"(n) Lump sum The basic monthly pension multiplied by sixty (60); "SECTION 3. Compulsory Membership. Membership in the GSIS
shall be compulsory for all employees receiving compensation who
"(o) Pensioner Any person receiving old-age or permanent total have not reached the compulsory retirement age, irrespective of
disability pension or any person who has received the lump sum employment status, except members of the Armed Forces of the
excluding one receiving survivorship pension benefits as defined in Philippines and the Philippine National Police, subject to the condition
Section 20 of this Act; that they must settle first their financial obligation with the GSIS, and
contractuals who have no employer and employee relationship with
"(p) Gainful Occupation Any productive activity that provided the the agencies they serve.
member with income at least equal to the minimum compensation of
government employees; "Except for the members of the judiciary and constitutional
commissions who shall have life insurance only, all members of the
"(q) Disability Any loss or impairment of the normal functions of GSIS shall have life insurance, retirement, and all other social security
the physical and/or mental faculty of a member which reduces or protection such as disability, survivorship, separation, and
unemployment benefits.
"SECTION 4. Effect of Separation from the Service. A member "(b) The employer shall include in its annual appropriation the
separated from the service shall continue to be a member, and shall be necessary amounts for its share of the contributions indicated above,
entitled to whatever benefits he has qualified to in the event of any plus any additional premiums that may be required on account of the
contingency compensable under this Act. hazards or risks of its employees' occupation.

"C. SOURCES OF FUNDS "(c) It shall be mandatory and compulsory for all employers to include
the payment of contributions in their annual appropriations. Penal
"SECTION 5. Contributions. (a) It shall be mandatory for the sanctions shall be imposed upon employers who fail to include the
member and the employer to pay the monthly contributions specified payment of contributions in their annual appropriations or otherwise
in the following schedule: fail to remit the accurate/exact amount of contributions on time, or
delay the remittance of premium contributions to the GSIS. The heads
"Monthly Compensation Percentage of Monthly of offices and agencies shall be administratively liable for non-
remittance or delayed remittance of premium contributions to the
Compensation Payable by GSIS.

Member Employer "SECTION 6. Collection and Remittance of Contributions. (a) The

employer shall report to the GSIS the names of all its employees, their
I. Maximum Average corresponding employment status, positions, salaries and such other
pertinent information, including subsequent changes therein, if any, as
Monthly Compensation may be required by the GSIS; the employer shall deduct each month
from the monthly salary or compensation of each employee the
(AMC) Limit and Below 9.0% 12.0% contribution payable by him in accordance with the schedule
prescribed in the rules and regulations implementing this Act.
II. Over the Maximum AMC Limit
"(b) Each employer shall remit directly to the GSIS the employees' and
III. employers' contributions within the first ten (10) days of the calendar
month following the month to which the contributions apply. The
Up to the Maximum AMC Limit 9.0% 12.0% remittance by the employer of the contributions to the GSIS shall take
priority over and above the payment of any and all obligations, except
In Excess of the AMC Limit 2.0% 12.0% salaries and wages of its employees.

"Members of the judiciary and constitutional commissioners shall pay "SECTION 7. Interests on Delayed Remittances. Agencies which
three percent (3%) of their monthly compensation as personal share, delay the remittance of any and all monies due the GSIS shall be
and their employers a corresponding three percent (3%) share for their charged interests as may be prescribed by the Board but not less than
life insurance coverage. two percent (2%) simple interest per month. Such interest shall be paid
by the employers concerned.
"SECTION 8. Government Guarantee. The government of the "(b) All service credited for retirement, resignation or separation for
Republic of the Philippines hereby guarantees the fulfillment of the which corresponding benefits have been awarded under this Act or
obligations of the GSIS to its members as and when they fall due. other laws shall be excluded in the computation of service in case of
reinstatement in the service of an employer and subsequent retirement
"D. BENEFITS or separation which is compensable under this Act.

"SECTION 9. Computation of the Basic Monthly Pension. (a) the "For the purpose of this section the term service shall include full time
basic monthly pension is equal to: service with compensation: Provided, That part time and other services
with compensation may be included under such rules and regulations
"1) thirty-seven and one-half percent (37.5%) of the revalued average as may be prescribed by the GSIS.
monthly compensation; plus
"SEPARATION BENEFITS
"2) two and one-half percent (2.5%) of said revalued average monthly
compensation for each year of service in excess of fifteen (15) years: "SECTION 11. Separation Benefits. The separation benefit shall
Provided, That the basic monthly pension shall not exceed ninety consist of: (a) a cash payment equivalent to one hundred percent
percent (90%) of the average monthly compensation. (100%) of his average monthly compensation for each year of service
he paid contributions, but not less than Twelve thousand pesos
"(b) The basic monthly pension may be adjusted upon the (P12,000) payable upon reaching sixty (60) years of age or upon
recommendation of the President and General Manager of the GSIS separation, whichever comes later: Provided, That the member resigns
and approved by the President of the Philippines in accordance with or separates from the service after he has rendered at least three (3)
the rules and regulations prescribed by the GSIS: Provided, however, years of service but less than fifteen (15) years; or
That the basic monthly pension shall not be less than One thousand
and three hundred pesos (P1,300.00): Provided, further, That the basic "(b) A cash payment equivalent to eighteen (18) times his basic
monthly pension for those who have rendered at least twenty (20) monthly pension payable at the time of resignation or separation, plus
years of service after the effectivity of this Act shall not be less than an old-age pension benefit equal to the basic monthly pension payable
Two thousand four hundred pesos (P2,400.00) a month. monthly for life upon reaching the age of sixty (60): Provided, That
the member resigns or separates from the service after he has rendered
"SECTION 10. Computation of Service. (a) The computation of at least fifteen (15) years of service and is below sixty (60) years of
service for the purpose of determining the amount of benefits payable age at the time of resignation or separation.
under this Act shall be from the date of original appointment/election,
including periods of service at different times under one or more "SECTION 12. Unemployment or Involuntary Separation Benefits.
employers, those performed overseas under the authority of the Unemployment benefits in the form of monthly cash payments
Republic of the Philippines, and those that may be prescribed by the equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of the average monthly compensation
GSIS in coordination with the Civil Service Commission. shall be paid to a permanent employee who is involuntarily separated
from the service due to the abolition of his office or position usually
resulting from reorganization: Provided, That he has been paying
integrated contributions for at least one (1) year prior to separation. monthly pension payable monthly for life, starting upon expiration of
Unemployment benefits shall be paid in accordance with the following the five-year (5) guaranteed period covered by the lump sum; or
schedule:
"(2) cash payment equivalent to eighteen (18) months of his basic
"Contributions Made Benefit Duration monthly pension plus monthly pension for life payable immediately
with no five-year (5) guarantee.
1 year but less than 3 years 2 months
"(b) Unless the service is extended by appropriate authorities,
3 or more years but less than 6 years 3 months retirement shall be compulsory for an employee at sixty-five (65) years
of age with at least fifteen (15) years of service: Provided, That if he
6 or more years but less than 9 years 4 months has less than fifteen (15) years of service, he may be allowed to
continue in the service in accordance with existing civil service rules
9 or more years but less than 11 years 5 months and regulations.

11 or more years but less than 15 years 6 months "SECTION 13-A. Conditions for Entitlement. A member who
retires from the service shall be entitled to the retirement benefits in
"The first payment shall be equivalent to two (2) monthly benefits. A paragraph (a) of Section 13 hereof: Provided, That:
seven-day (7) waiting period shall be imposed on succeeding monthly
payments. (1) he has rendered at least fifteen (15) years of service;

"All accumulated unemployment benefits paid to the employee during (2) he is at least sixty (60) years of age at the time of retirement; and
his entire membership with the GSIS shall be deducted from voluntary
separation benefits. (3) he is not receiving a monthly pension benefit from permanent total
disability.
"The GSIS shall prescribe the detailed guidelines in the
operationalization of this section in the rules and regulations "SECTION 14. Periodic Pension Adjustment. The monthly pension
implementing this Act. of all pensioners including all those receiving survivorship pension
benefits shall be periodically adjusted as may be recommended by the
"RETIREMENT BENEFITS GSIS' actuary and approved by the Board in accordance with the rules
and regulations prescribed by the GSIS.
"SECTION 13. Retirement Benefits. (a) Retirement benefit shall
be: "PERMANENT DISABILITY BENEFITS

"(1) the lump sum payment as defined in this Act payable at the time "SECTION 15. General Conditions for Entitlement. A member who
of retirement plus an old-age pension benefit equal to the basic suffers permanent disability for reasons not due to his grave
misconduct, notorious negligence, habitual intoxication, or willful
intention to kill himself or another, shall be entitled to the benefits "(2) he recovers from disability as determined by the GSIS,
provided for under Sections 16 and 17 immediately following, subject whose decision shall be final and binding; or
to the corresponding conditions therefor.
"(3) he fails to present himself for medical examination when
"SECTION 16. Permanent Total Disability Benefits. (a) If the required by the GSIS.
permanent disability is total, he shall receive a monthly income benefit
for life equal to the basic monthly pension effective from the date of "(d) The following disabilities shall be deemed total and permanent:
disability: Provided, That:
"(1) complete loss of sight of both eyes;
(1) he is in the service at the time of disability; or
"(2) loss of two (2) limbs at or above the ankle or wrist;
(2) if separated from the service, he has paid at least thirty-six (36)
monthly contributions within the five (5) year period "(3) permanent complete paralysis of two(2) limbs;
immediately preceding his disability, or has paid a total of
at least one hundred eighty (180) monthly contributions, "(4) brain injury resulting in incurable imbecility or insanity;
prior to his disability: Provided, further, That if at the time and
of disability, he was in the service and has paid a total of at
least one hundred eighty (180) monthly contributions, in "(5) such other cases as may be determined by the GSIS.
addition to the monthly income benefit, he shall receive a
cash payment equivalent to eighteen (18) times his basic "SECTION 17. Permanent Partial Disability Benefits. (a) If the
monthly pension: Provided, finally, That a member cannot disability is partial, he shall receive a cash payment in accordance with
enjoy the monthly income benefit for permanent disability a schedule of disabilities to be prescribed by the GSIS: Provided, That
and the old-age retirement simultaneously. he satisfies either conditions (1) or (2) of Section 16(a);

"(b) If a member who suffers permanent total disability does not "(b) The following disabilities shall be deemed permanent and partial:
satisfy conditions (1) and (2) in paragraph (a) of this section but has
rendered at least three (3) years service at the time of his disability, he "(1) complete and permanent loss of the use of:
shall be advanced the cash payment equivalent to one hundred percent
(100%) of his average monthly compensation for each year of service (i) any finger
he paid contributions, but not less than Twelve Thousand pesos
(P12,000) which should have been his separation benefit. (ii) any toe

"(c) Unless the member has reached the minimum retirement age, (iii) one arm
disability benefit shall be suspended when:
(iv) one hand
"(1) he is reemployed or
(v) one foot "(b) The temporary total disability benefit shall in no case be less than
Seventy pesos (P70.00) a day.
(vi) one leg
"(c) The notices required of the member and the employer, the mode of
(vii) one or both ears payment, and the other requirements for entitlement to temporary total
disability benefits shall be provided in the rules and regulations to be
(viii) hearing of one or both ears prescribed by the GSIS.

(ix) sight of one eye "SECTION 19. Non-scheduled Disability. For injuries or illnesses
resulting in a disability not listed in the schedule of partial/total
"(2) such other cases as may be determined by the GSIS. disability, as provided herein, the GSIS shall determine the nature of
the disability and the corresponding benefits therefor.
"TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS
"SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS
"SECTION 18. Temporary Total Disability Benefit. (a) A member
who suffers temporary total disability for reasons not due to any of the "SECTION 20. Survivorship Benefits. When a member or
conditions enumerated in Section 15 hereof shall be entitled to pensioner dies, the beneficiaries shall be entitled to survivorship
seventy-five percent (75%) of his current daily compensation for each benefits provided in Sections 21 and 22 hereunder subject to the
day or fraction thereof of temporary disability benefit not exceeding conditions therein provided for. The survivorship pension shall consist
one hundred twenty (120) days in one calendar year after exhausting of:
all his sick leave credits and collective bargaining agreement sick
leave benefits, if any, but not earlier than the fourth day of his (1) the basic survivorship pension which is fifty percent (50%) of the
temporary total disability: Provided, That: basic monthly pension; and

"(1) he is in the service at the time of his disability; or (2) the dependent children's pension not exceeding fifty percent
(50%) of the basic monthly pension.
"(2) if separated, he has rendered at least three (3) years of service and
has paid at least six (6) monthly contributions in the twelve-month (3)
period immediately preceding his disability.
"SECTION 21. Death of a Member. (a) Upon the death of a
Provided, however, That a member cannot enjoy the temporary total member, the primary beneficiaries shall be entitled to:
disability benefit and sick leave pay simultaneously: Provided, further,
That if the disability requires more extensive treatment that lasts (1) survivorship pension: Provided, That the deceased:
beyond one hundred twenty (120) days, the payment of the temporary
total disability benefit may be extended by the GSIS but not to exceed (i) was in the service at the time of his death; or
a total of two hundred forty (240) days.
 (ii) if separated from the service, has at least three (3) years of children's pension mentioned in the immediately preceding
service at the time of his death and has paid thirty-six (36) monthly paragraph (2) hereof.
contributions within the five-year period immediately preceding his
death; or has paid a total of at least one hundred eighty (180) monthly (c) In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the secondary
contributions prior to his death; or beneficiaries shall be entitled to:

(2) the survivorship pension plus a cash payment equivalent to one (1) the cash payment equivalent to one hundred percent
hundred percent (100%) of his average monthly compensation for (100%) of his average monthly compensation for each year of
every year of service: Provided, That the deceased was in the service at service he paid contributions, but not less than Twelve
the time of his death with at least three (3) years of service; or thousand pesos (P12,000): Provided, That the member is in the
service at the time of his death and has at least three (3) years
(3) a cash payment equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of his of service; or
average monthly compensation for each year of service he paid
contributions, but not less than Twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00): (2) in the absence of secondary beneficiaries, the
Provided, That the deceased has rendered at least three (3) years of benefits under this paragraph shall be paid to his legal heirs.
service prior to his death but does not qualify for the benefits under the
item (1) or (2) of this paragraph. (d) For purposes of the survivorship benefits, legitimate
children shall include legally adopted and legitimate children.
(b) The survivorship pension shall be paid as follows:
"SECTION 22. Death of a Pensioner. Upon the death of an old-age
(1) when the dependent spouse is the only survivor, pensioner or a member receiving the monthly income benefit for
he/she shall receive the basic survivorship pension for life or permanent disability, the qualified beneficiaries shall be entitled to the
until he/she remarries; survivorship pension defined in Section 20 of this Act, subject to the
provisions of paragraph (b) of Section 21 hereof. When the pensioner
(2) when only dependent children are the survivors, dies within the period covered by the lump sum, the survivorship
they shall be entitled to the basic survivorship pension for as pension shall be paid only after the expiration of the said period.
long as they are qualified, plus the dependent children's
pension equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the basic monthly "FUNERAL BENEFITS
pension for every dependent child not exceeding five (5),
counted from the youngest and without substitution; "SECTION 23. Funeral Benefit. The amount of funeral benefit shall
be determined and specified by the GSIS in the rules and regulations
(3) when the survivors are the dependent spouse and the but shall not be less than Twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00):
dependent children, the dependent spouse shall receive the Provided, That it shall be increased to at least Eighteen thousand pesos
basic survivorship pension for life or until he/she remarries, (P18,000.00) after five (5) years and shall be paid upon the death of:
and the dependent children shall receive the dependent
(a) an active member as defined under Section 2(e) of this Act; or
(b) a member who has been separated from the service, but who may by the GSIS, for himself and/or his dependents. Any employer may
be entitled to future benefit pursuant to Section 4 of this Act; or likewise apply for group insurance coverage for its employees. The
payment of the premiums/installments for optional insurance and pre-
(c) a pensioner, as defined in Section 2(o) of this Act; or need products may be made by the insured or his employer and/or any
person acceptable to the GSIS.
(d) a retiree who at the time of his retirement was of pensionable age
under this Act but who opted to retire under Republic Act No. 1616. "SECTION 27. Reinsurance. The GSIS may reinsure any of its
interests or part thereof with any private company or reinsurer whether
"LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS domestic or foreign: Provided, That the GSIS shall submit an annual
report on its reinsurance operations to the Insurance Commission.
"SECTION 24. Compulsory Life Insurance. All employees except
for Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the "E. ADJUDICATION OF CLAIMS AND DISPUTES
Philippine National Police (PNP) shall, under such terms and
conditions as may be promulgated by the GSIS, be compulsorily "SECTION 28. Prescription. Claims for benefits under this Act
covered with life insurance, which shall automatically take effect as except for life and retirement shall prescribe after four (4) years from
follows: the date of contingency.

(1) for those employed after the effectivity of this Act, their insurance "SECTION 29. Facility of Payment. The GSIS shall prescribe rules
shall take effect on the date of their employment; and regulations to facilitate payment of benefit, proceeds, and claims
under this Act and any other laws administered by the GSIS. Payments
(2) for those whose insurance will mature after the effectivity of this made by the GSIS prior to its receipt of an adverse claim, to a
Act, their insurance shall be deemed renewed on the day following the beneficiary or claimant subsequently found not entitled thereto, shall
maturity or expiry date of their insurance; not bar the legal and eligible recipient to his right to demand the
payment of benefits, proceeds, and claims from the GSIS, who shall,
(3) for those without any life insurance as of the effectivity of this Act, however, have a right to institute the appropriate action in a court of
their insurance shall take effect following said effectivity. law against the ineligible recipient.

"SECTION 25. Dividends. An annual dividend may be granted to "SECTION 30. Settlement of Disputes. The GSIS shall have
all members of the GSIS whose life insurance is in force for at least original and exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute arising under
one (1) year in accordance with a dividend allocation formula to be this Act and any other laws administered by the GSIS.
determined by the GSIS.
The Board may designate any member of the Board, or official of the
"SECTION 26. Optional Insurance. Subject to the rules and GSIS who is a lawyer, to act as hearing officer to receive evidence,
regulations prescribed by the GSIS, a member may apply for insurance make findings of fact and submit recommendations thereon. The
and/or pre-need coverage embracing life, health, hospitalization, hearing officer shall submit his findings and recommendations,
education, memorial plans, and such other plans as may be designed together with all the documentary and testimonial evidence to the
Board within thirty (30) working days from the time the parties have testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of
closed their respective evidence and filed their last pleading. The witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondences, and
Board shall decide the case within thirty (30) days from the receipt of other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with any
the hearing officer's findings and recommendations. The cases heard question arising under this Act. Any case of contumacy shall be dealt
directly by the Board shall be decided within thirty (30) working days with in accordance with the provisions of Section 580 of the Revised
from the time they are submitted by the parties for decision. Administrative Code.

"SECTION 31. Appeals. Appeals from any decision or award of the "F. FUNDS OF THE GSIS
Board shall be governed by Rules 43 and 45 of the 1997 Rules of Civil
Procedure adopted by the Supreme Court on April 8, 1997 which will "SECTION 34. Funds. All contributions payable under Section 5 of
take effect on July 1, 1997: Provided, That pending cases and those this Act together with the earnings and accruals thereon shall constitute
filed prior to July 1, 1997 shall be governed by the applicable rules of the GSIS Social Insurance Fund. The said Fund shall be used to
procedure: Provided, further, That the appeal shall take precedence finance the benefits administered by the GSIS under this Act. In
over all other cases except criminal cases when the penalty of life addition, the GSIS shall administer the optional insurance fund for the
imprisonment or death or reclusion perpetua is imposable. insurance coverage described in Section 26 hereof, the employees'
Compensation Insurance Fund created under P.D. 626, as amended, the
The appeal shall not stay the execution of the order or award unless General Insurance Fund created under Act No. 656, as amended, and
ordered by the Board, by the Court of Appeals or by the Supreme such other special funds existing or that may be created for special
Court and the appeal shall be without prejudice to the special civil groups or persons rendering services to the government. The GSIS
action of certiorari when proper. shall maintain the required reserves to guarantee the fulfillment of its
obligations under this Act.
"SECTION 32. Execution of Decision. When no appeal is perfected
and there is no order to stay by the Board, by the Court of Appeals or "The funds of the GSIS shall not be used for purposes other than what
by the Supreme Court, any decision or award of the Board shall be are provided for under this Act. Moreover, no portion of the funds of
enforced and executed in the same manner as decisions of the the GSIS or income thereof shall accrue to the General Fund of the
Regional Trial Court. For this purpose, the Board shall have the power national government and its political subdivisions, instrumentalities
to issue to the city or provincial sheriff or its appointed sheriff such and other agencies including government-owned and controlled
writs of execution as may be necessary for the enforcement of such corporations except as may be allowed under this Act.
decision or award, and any person who shall fail or refuse to comply
with such decision, award, writ or process after being required to do "SECTION 35. Deposits and Disbursements. All revenues collected
so, shall, upon application by the GSIS, be punished for contempt. and all accruals thereto shall be deposited, administered and disbursed
in accordance with the law. A maximum expense loading of twelve
"SECTION 33. Oaths, Witnesses, and Production of Records. percent (12%) of the yearly revenues from all sources may be
When authorized by the Board, an official or employee of the GSIS disbursed for administrative and operational expenses except as may
shall have the power to administer oath and affirmation, take be otherwise approved by the President of the Philippines on the basis
depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoena ad of actuarial and management studies.
"SECTION 36. Investment of Funds. The funds of the GSIS which investments shall, in the determination of the Board, redound to the
are not needed to meet the current obligations may be invested under benefit of the GSIS, its members, as well as the general public;
such terms and conditions and rules and regulations as may be
prescribed by the Board: Provided, That investments shall satisfy the (f) In debt instruments and other securities traded in the secondary
requirements of liquidity, safety/security and yield in order to ensure markets;
the actuarial solvency of the funds of the GSIS: Provided, further, That
the GSIS shall submit an annual report on all investments made to both (g) In loans to, or in bonds, debentures, promissory notes or other
Houses of Congress of the Philippines, to wit: evidence of indebtedness of any solvent corporation created or existing
under the laws of the Philippines;
(a) in interest-bearing bonds or securities or other evidence of
indebtedness of the Government of the Philippines; (h) In common and preferred stocks of any solvent corporation or
financial institution created or existing under the laws of the
(b) In interest-bearing deposits or securities in any domestic bank Philippines listed in the stock exchange with proven track record or
doing business in the Philippines: Provided, That in the case of such profitability over the last three (3) years and payment of dividends at
deposits, these shall not exceed at any time the unimpaired capital and least once over the same period;
surplus or total private deposits of the depository bank, whichever is
smaller: Provided, further, That said bank has prior designation as a (i) In domestic mutual funds including investments related to the
depository for the purpose by the Monetary Board of the Central operations of mutual funds; and
Monetary Authority;
(j) In foreign mutual funds and in foreign currency deposits or foreign
(c) in direct housing loans to members and group housing projects currency-denominated debts, non-speculative equities and other
secured by first mortgage, giving priority to the low income groups financial instruments or other assets issued in accordance with existing
and in short-and-medium-term loans to members such as salary, policy, laws of the countries where such financial instruments are issued:
educational, emergency, stock purchase plan and other similar loans: Provided, That these instruments or assets are listed in bourses of the
Provided, That no less than forty percent (40%) of the investable fund respective countries where these instruments or assets are issued:
of the GSIS Social Insurance Fund shall be invested for these Provided, further, That the issuing company has proven track record of
purposes; profitability over the last three (3) years and payment of dividends at
least once over the same period.
(d) in bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of
indebtedness of educational or medical institutions to finance the "SECTION 37. Records and Reports. The GSIS shall keep and
construction, improvement and maintenance of schools and hospitals; cause to keep such records as may be necessary for the purpose of
making actuarial studies, calculations and valuations of the funds of
(e) in real estate property including shares of stocks involving real the GSIS including such data needed in the computation of rates of
estate property and investments secured by first mortgages on real disability, mortality, morbidity, separation and retirement among the
estate or other collaterals acceptable to the GSIS: Provided, That such members and any other information useful for the adjustment of the
benefits of the members. The GSIS shall maintain appropriate books
of accounts to record its assets, liabilities, income, expenses, receipts "The funds and/or the properties referred to herein as well as the
and disbursements of funds and other financial transactions and benefits, sums or monies corresponding to the benefits under this Act
operations. shall be exempt from attachment, garnishment, execution, levy or
other processes issued by the courts, quasi-judicial agencies or
"SECTION 38. Examination and Valuation of the Funds. The GSIS administrative bodies including Commission on Audit (COA)
shall make a periodic actuarial examination and valuation of its funds disallowances and from all financial obligations of the members,
in accordance with accepted actuarial principles. including his pecuniary accountability arising from or caused or
occasioned by his exercise or performance of his official functions or
"SECTION 39. Exemption from Tax, Legal Process and Lien. It is duties, or incurred relative to or in connection with his position or
hereby declared to be the policy of the State that the actuarial solvency work except when his monetary liability, contractual or otherwise, is in
of the funds of the GSIS shall be preserved and maintained at all times favor of the GSIS.
and that contribution rates necessary to sustain the benefits under this
Act shall be kept as low as possible in order not to burden the "G. ADMINISTRATION
members of the GSIS and their employers. Taxes imposed on the GSIS
tend to impair the actuarial solvency of its funds and increase the "SECTION 40. Implementing Body. The Government Service
contribution rate necessary to sustain the benefits of this Act. Insurance System as created under Commonwealth Act No. 186 shall
Accordingly, notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, the GSIS, its implement the provisions of this Act.
assets, revenues including all accruals thereto, and benefits paid, shall
be exempt from all taxes, assessments, fees, charges or duties of all "SECTION 41. Powers and Functions of the GSIS. The GSIS shall
kinds. These exemptions shall continue unless expressly and exercise the following powers and functions:
specifically revoked and any assessment against the GSIS as of the
approval of this Act are hereby considered paid. Consequently, all (a) to formulate, adopt, amend and/or rescind such rules and
laws, ordinances, regulations, issuances, opinions or jurisprudence regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions and
contrary to or in derogation of this provision are hereby deemed purposes of this Act, as well as the effective exercise of the powers and
repealed, superseded and rendered ineffective and without legal force functions, and the discharge of duties and responsibilities of the GSIS,
and effect. its officers and employees;

"Moreover, these exemptions shall not be affected by subsequent laws (b) to adopt or approve the annual and supplemental budget of receipts
to the contrary unless this section is expressly, specifically and and expenditures including salaries and allowances of the GSIS
categorically revoked or repealed by law and a provision is enacted to personnel; to authorize such capital and operating expenditures and
substitute or replace the exemption referred to herein as an essential disbursements of the GSIS as may be necessary and proper for the
factor to maintain or protect the solvency of the fund, notwithstanding effective management and operation of the GSIS;
and independently of the guaranty of the national government to
secure such solvency or liability. (c) to invest the funds of the GSIS, directly or indirectly, in accordance
with the provisions of this Act;
(d) to acquire, utilize or dispose of, in any manner recognized by law, (m) to approve appointments in the GSIS except appointments to
real or personal property in the Philippines or elsewhere necessary to positions which are policy determining, primarily confidential or
carry out the purposes of this Act; highly technical in nature according to the Civil Service rules and
regulations: Provided, That all positions in the GSIS shall be governed
(e) to conduct continuing actuarial and statistical studies and by a compensation and position classification system and
valuations to determine the financial condition of the GSIS and taking qualifications standards approved by the GSIS Board of Trustees based
into consideration such studies and valuations and the limitations on a comprehensive job analysis and audit of actual duties and
herein provided, re-adjust the benefits, contributions, premium rates, responsibilities: Provided, further, That the compensation plan shall be
interest rates or the allocation or re-allocation of the funds to the comparable with the prevailing compensation plans in the private
contingencies covered; sector and shall be subject to the periodic review by the Board no more
than once every four (4) years without prejudice to yearly merit
(f) to have the power of succession; reviews or increases based on productivity and profitability;

(g) to sue and be sued; (n) to design and adopt an Early Retirement Incentive Plan (ERIP)
and/or financial assistance for the purpose of retirement for its own
(h) to enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind personnel;
and description with any person, firm or association or corporation,
domestic or foreign; (o) to fix and periodically review and adjust the rates of interest and
other terms and conditions for loans and credits extended to members
(i) to carry on any other lawful business whatsoever in pursuance of, or other persons, whether natural or juridical;
or in connection with the provisions of this Act;
(p) to enter into agreement with the Social Security System or any
(j) to have one or more offices in and outside of the Philippines, and to other entity, enterprise, corporation or partnership for the benefit of
conduct its business and exercise its powers throughout and in any part members transferring from one system to another subject to the
of the Republic of the Philippines and/or in any or all foreign provision of Republic Act No. 7699, otherwise known as the
countries, states and territories: Provided, That the GSIS shall maintain Portability Law;
a branch office in every province where there exists a minimum of
fifteen thousand (15,000) membership; (q) to be able to float proper instrument to liquefy long-term maturity
by pooling funds for short-term secondary market;
(k) to borrow funds from any source, private or government, foreign or
domestic, only as an incident in the securitization of housing (r) to submit annually, not later than June 30, a public report to the
mortgages of the GSIS and on account of its receivables from any President of the Philippines and the Congress of the Philippines
government or private entity; regarding its activities in the administration and enforcement of this
Act during the preceding year including information and
(l) to invest, own or otherwise participate in equity in any recommendations on broad policies for the development and
establishment, firm or entity; perfection of the programs of the GSIS;
(s) to maintain a provident fund, which consists of contributions made and at the same time afford individual members appropriate returns on
by both the GSIS and its officials and employees and their earnings, their savings/investments. The programs shall be so designed as to
for the payment of benefits to such officials and employees or their spur socio-economic take-off and maintain continued growth; and
heirs under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe;
(y) to exercise such powers and perform such other acts as may be
(t) to approve and adopt guidelines affecting investments, insurance necessary, useful, incidental or auxiliary to carry out the provisions of
coverage of government properties, settlement of claims, disposition of this Act, or to attain the purposes and objectives of this Act.
acquired assets, privatization or expansion of subsidiaries,
development of housing projects, increased benefit and loan packages "SECTION 42. The Board of Trustees; Its Composition; Tenure and
to members, and the enforcement of the provisions of this Act; Compensation. The corporate powers and functions of the GSIS
shall be vested in and exercised by the Board of Trustees composed of
(u) any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, to authorize the President and General Manager of the GSIS and eight (8) other
the payment of extra remuneration to the officials and employees members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines, one (1)
directly involved in the collection and/or remittance of contributions, of whom shall be either the President of the Philippine Public School
loan repayments, and other monies due to the GSIS at such rates and Teachers Association (PPSTA) or the President of the Philippine
under such conditions as it may adopt. Provided, That the best interest Association of School Superintendents (PASS), another two (2) shall
of the GSIS shall be observed thereby; represent the leading organizations or associations of government
employees/retirees, another four (4) from the banking, finance,
(v) to determine, fix and impose interest upon unpaid premiums due investment, and insurance sectors, and one (1) recognized member of
from employers and employees; the legal profession who at the time of appointment is also a member
of the GSIS. The Trustees shall elect from among themselves a
(w) to ensure the collection or recovery of all indebtedness, liabilities Chairman while the President and General Manager of the GSIS shall
and/or accountabilities, including unpaid premiums or contributions in automatically be the vice-chairman.
favor of the GSIS arising from any cause or source whatsoever, due
from all obligors, whether public or private. The Board shall demand The Trustees, except the President and General Manager who shall
payment or settlement of the obligations referred to herein within cease as trustee upon his separation, shall hold office for six (6) years
thirty (30) days from the date the obligation becomes due, and in the without reappointment, or until their successors are duly appointed and
event of failure or refusal of the obligor or debtor to comply with the qualified. Vacancy, other than through the expiration of the term, shall
demand, to initiate or institute the necessary or proper actions or suits, be filled for the unexpired term only. The members of the Board shall
criminal, civil or administrative or otherwise, before the courts, be entitled to a per diem of Two thousand five hundred pesos (P2,500)
tribunals, commissions, boards, or bodies of proper jurisdiction within for each board meeting actually attended by them, but not to exceed
thirty (30) days reckoned from the expiry date of the period fixed in Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) a month and reasonable transportation
the demand within which to pay or settle the account; and representation allowances as may be fixed by the Board.

(x) to design and implement programs that will promote and mobilize "SECTION 43. Powers and Functions of the Board of Trustees. The
savings and provide additional resources for social security expansion Board of Trustees shall have the following powers and functions:
"(a) to formulate the policies, guidelines and programs to effectively "(g) to approve and adopt guidelines affecting investments, insurance
carry out the purposes of this Act; coverage of government properties, settlement of claims, disposition of
acquired assets, development of housing projects, increased benefit
"(b) to promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary or and loan packages to members, and the enforcement of the provisions
proper for the effective exercise of the powers and functions as well as of this Act;
the discharge of the duties and responsibilities of the GSIS, its officers
and employees; "(h) to determine, fix and impose interest upon unpaid or unremitted
premiums and/or contributions; and
"(c) upon the recommendation of the President and General Manager,
to approve the annual and supplemental budget of receipts and "(i) to do and perform any and all acts necessary, proper or incidental
expenditures of the GSIS, and to authorize such operating and capital to the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Act.
expenditures and disbursements of the GSIS as may be necessary or
proper for the effective management, operation and administration of "SECTION 44. Appointment, Qualifications, and Compensation of the
the GSIS; President and General Manager and of Other Personnel. The
President and General Manager of the GSIS shall be its Chief
"(d) upon the recommendation of the President and General Manager, Executive Officer and shall be appointed by the President of the
to approve the GSIS' organizational and administrative structures and Philippines. He shall be a person with management and investments
staffing pattern, and to establish, fix, review, revise and adjust the expertise necessary for the effective performance of his duties and
appropriate compensation package for the officers and employees of functions under this Act.
the GSIS with reasonable allowances, incentives, bonuses, privileges
and other benefits as may be necessary or proper for the effective "The GSIS President and General Manager shall be assisted by one or
management, operation and administration of the GSIS, which shall be more executive vice-presidents, senior vice-presidents, vice-presidents
exempt from Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the Salary and managers in addition to the usual supervisory and rank and file
Standardization Law and Republic Act No. 7430, otherwise known as positions who shall be appointed and removed by the President and
the Attrition Law; General Manager with the approval of the Board, in accordance with
the existing Civil Service rules and regulations.
"(e) to fix and periodically review and adjust the rates of interest and
other terms and conditions for loans and credits extended to its "SECTION 45. Powers and Duties of the President and General
members or other persons, whether natural or juridical; Manager. The President and General Manager of the GSIS shall
among others, execute and administer the policies and resolutions
"(f) the provision of any law to the contrary notwithstanding, to approved by the board and direct and supervise the administration and
compromise or release, in whole or in part, any claim or settle liability operations of the GSIS. The President and General Manager, subject to
to the GSIS, regardless of the amount involved, under such terms and the approval of the Board, shall appoint the personnel of the GSIS,
conditions as it may impose for the best interest of the GSIS; remove, suspend or otherwise discipline them for cause, in accordance
with existing Civil Service rules and regulations, and prescribe their
duties and qualifications to the end that only competent persons may That for each examination the GSIS shall pay the office of the
be employed. Insurance Commissioner an amount equal to the actual expenses
incurred by the said office in the conduct of the examination, including
"SECTION 46. Auditor. (a) The Chairman of the Commission on the salaries of the examiners and of the actuary of such examination
Audit shall be the ex officio auditor of the GSIS. For this purpose, he for the actual time spent.
may appoint a representative who shall be the Auditor of the GSIS,
and the necessary personnel to assist said representative in the "H. GENERAL PROVISIONS
performance of his duties.
"SECTION 49. Dispensation of Social Insurance Benefits. (a) The
"(b) The Chairman of the Commission on Audit or his authorized GSIS shall pay the retirement benefits to the employee on his last day
representative, shall submit to the Board soon after the close of each of service in the government: Provided, That all requirements are
calendar year, an audited statement showing the financial condition submitted to the GSIS within a reasonable period prior to the effective
and progress of the GSIS for the calendar year just ended. date of the retirement;

"SECTION 47. Legal Counsel. The Government Corporate Counsel "(b) The GSIS shall discontinue the processing and adjudication of
shall be the legal adviser and consultant of the GSIS, but the GSIS retirement claims under R.A. No. 1616 except refund of retirement
may assign to the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel premium and R.A. No. 910. Instead, all agencies concerned shall
(OGCC) cases for legal action or trial, issues for legal opinions, process and pay the gratuities of their employees. The Board shall
preparation and review of contracts/agreements and others, as the adopt the proper rules and procedures for the implementation of this
GSIS may decide or determine from time to time: Provided, however, provision.
That the present legal services group in the GSIS shall serve as its in-
house legal counsel. "SECTION 50. Development and disposition of Acquired Assets.
The GSIS shall have the right to develop and dispose of its acquired
"The GSIS may, subject to approval by the proper court, deputize any assets obtained in the ordinary course of its business. To add value to,
personnel of the legal service group to act as special sheriff in the improve profitability on, and/or enhance the marketability of an
enforcement of writs and processes issued by the court, quasi-judicial acquired asset, the GSIS may further develop/renovate the same either
agencies or administrative bodies in cases involving the GSIS. with its own capital or through a joint venture arrangement with
private companies or individuals.
"SECTION 48. Powers of the Insurance Commission. The
Insurance Commissioner or his authorized representatives shall make "The GSIS may sell its acquired assets in accordance with existing
an examination of the financial condition and methods of transacting Commission on Audit (COA) rules and regulations for an amount not
business of the GSIS at least once every three (3) years and the report lower than the current market value of the property. For this purpose,
of said examination shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees and the GSIS shall conduct an annual appraisal of its property or acquired
copies thereof be furnished the Office of the President of the assets to determine its current market value. All notices of sale shall be
Philippines and the two Houses of the Congress of the Philippines published in newspapers of general circulation.
within five (5) days after the close of examination: Provided, however,
"No injunction or restraining order issued by any court, commission, contributions, or who fails or refuses or delays by more than thirty (30)
tribunal or office shall bar, impede or delay the sale and disposition by days from the time such amount becomes due and demandable, or to
the GSIS of its acquired assets except on questions of ownership and deduct the monthly contributions of the employee shall, upon
national or public interest. conviction by final judgment, suffer the penalties of imprisonment
from six (6) months and one (1) day to six (6) years, and a fine of not
"SECTION 51. Government Assistance to the GSIS. The GSIS may less than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) but not more than Six
call upon any employer for such assistance as may be necessary in the thousand pesos (P6,000.00), and in addition shall suffer absolute
discharge of its duties and functions. perpetual disqualification from holding public office and from
practicing any profession or calling licensed by the government.
"L. PENAL PROVISIONS
"(e) Any employee or member who receives or keeps fund or property
"SECTION 52. Penalty. (a) Any person found to have participated belonging, payable or deliverable to the GSIS and appropriates the
directly or indirectly in the commission of fraud, collusion, same, or takes or misappropriates or uses the same to any purpose
falsification, or misrepresentation in any transaction with the GSIS other than that authorized by this Act, or permits another person to
whether for him or for some other persons, shall suffer the penalties take, misappropriate or use said fund or property by expressly
provided for in Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code. consenting thereto, or through abandonment or negligence, or is
otherwise guilty of the misappropriation of said fund or property, in
"(b) Whoever shall obtain or receive any money or check invoking any whole or in part, shall suffer the penalties provided in Article 217 of
provision of this Act or any agreement thereunder, without being the Revised Penal Code, and in addition shall suffer absolute perpetual
entitled thereto with the intent to defraud any member, any employer, disqualification from holding public office and from practicing any
the GSIS, or any third party, shall be punished by a fine of not less profession or calling licensed by the government.
than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand
pesos (P20,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than six (6) years "(f) Any employee, who after deducting the monthly contribution or
and one (1) day to twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the loan amortization from a member's compensation, fails to remit the
court. same to the GSIS within thirty (30) days from the date they should
have been remitted under Section 6(a) shall be presumed to have
"(c) Whoever fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act misappropriated such contribution or loan amortization and shall suffer
or with the rules and regulations adopted by the GSIS shall be the penalties provided in Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, and in
punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) addition shall suffer absolute perpetual disqualification from holding
nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or by public office and from practicing any profession or calling licensed by
imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day to twelve the government.
(12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
"(g) The heads of the offices of the national government, its political
"(d) The treasurer, finance officer, cashier, disbursing officer, budget subdivisions, branches, agencies and instrumentalities, including
officer or other official or employee who fails to include in the annual government-owned or controlled corporations and government
budget the amount corresponding to the employer and employee financial institutions, and the personnel of such offices who are
involved in the collection of premium contributions, loan amortization "SECTION 53. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The
and other accounts due the GSIS who shall fail, refuse or delay the implementing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this
payment, turnover, remittance or delivery of such accounts to the GSIS Act shall be adopted and promulgated by the GSIS not later than
within thirty (30) days from the time that the same shall have been due ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act.
and demandable shall, upon conviction by final judgment, suffer the
penalties of imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than "SECTION 54. Non-impairment of Benefits, Powers, Jurisdiction,
five (5) years and a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos Rights, Privileges, Functions and Activities. Nothing in this Act
(P10,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), and shall be construed to repeal, amend or limit any provision of existing
in addition shall suffer absolute perpetual disqualification from laws. Presidential Decrees and Letters of Instructions, not otherwise
holding public office and from practicing any profession or calling specifically inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
licensed by the government.
"SECTION 55. Exclusiveness of Benefits. Whenever other laws
"(h) The officers and/or personnel referred to in paragraph (g) of this provide similar benefits for the same contingencies covered by this
section shall be liable not only criminally but also civilly to the GSIS Act, the member who qualifies to the benefits shall have the option to
or to the employee or member concerned in the form of damages, choose which benefits will be paid to him. However, if the benefits
including surcharges and interests. provided by the law chosen are less than the benefits provided under
this Act, the GSIS shall pay only the difference.
"(i) For the charges or complaints referred to in paragraph (g) of this
Section, the liabilities therein set forth shall be construed as waiver of "SECTION 56. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out
the State of its immunity from suit, hence, the above-mentioned the provisions of this Act shall be included in the respective budgets of
officials and/or personnel may not invoke the defense of non-suability the agencies in the national government obligation program of the year
of the State. following its enactment into law and thereafter."

"(j) Failure of the Members of the GSIS Board, including the chairman SECTION 2. Separability Clause. Should any provision of this Act
and the vice-chairman, to comply with the provisions of paragraph (w) or any part thereof be declared invalid, the other provisions, so far as
of Section 41 hereof, shall subject them to imprisonment of not less they are separable from the invalid ones, shall remain in force and
than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year or a fine of not less effect.
than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Ten thousand
pesos (P10,000.00) without prejudice to any civil or administrative SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. All laws and any other law or parts
liability which may also arise therefrom. of law specifically inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly: Provided, That the rights under existing laws,
"Criminal actions arising from violations of the provisions of this Act rules and regulations vested upon or acquired by an employee who is
may be commenced by the GSIS or by the aggrieved member, either already in the service as of the effectivity of this Act shall remain in
under this Act or, in appropriate cases, under the Revised Penal Code. force and effect: Provided, further, That subsequent to the effectivity
of this Act, a new employee or an employee who has previously retired
or separated and is reemployed in the service shall be covered by the
provisions of this Act.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved: May 30, 1997

Published in Malaya, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer,

and the Manila Bulletin on June 9, 1997. July 28, 1997.

Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 93 No. 29 page 4360 on July 21,
1997.