CHIZ CALLS FOR 3-MOS. MORATORIUM ON PAG-IBIG, GSIS, SSS LOAN PAYMENTS FOR ONDOY'S VICTIMS

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday called for a three-month moratorium on loan payments to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-Ibig and the Social Security System (SSS) in Metro Manila and other areas ravaged by tropical storm Ondoy.

"This is the fastest way by which government can help victims of Ondoy. Magpakita ng tunay na Pag-ibig, dahil marami sa mga bahay na acquired thru Pag-ibig ay lubog sa baha," Escudero said.

The government has placed Metro Manila and 27 provinces in Luzon under a state of calamity because of heavy flooding caused by rains dumped by tropical storm Ondoy.

At least 86 people have been killed and more than 100,000 displaced by widespread flooding. Damage to infrastructure and property is expected to reach in the hundreds of millions of pesos.

The 39-year old lawmaker also urged the three agencies to expedite the release of multipurpose loans to members affected by Ondoy.

"I ask these agencies of government to cut to its bare minimum the processes required to avail of these loans. If need be, only the members' ID and a barangay certification should be sufficient. They need immediate relief now," he said.

Escudero also appealed to private banks to consider a suspension of consumer loan payments to debtors whose homes and other properties were damaged in the flooding.

"Corporate social responsibility and customer relations dictate that in times of extreme calamity, we should all come together and help those who have been placed in dire circumstances by situations we cannot control," Escudero said.