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THE Department of Finance said Thursday it may intervene on the
conflict between the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and
motor vehicle insurers over the compulsory third party liability (CTPL)
insurance issue.
“We need to discuss this with the stakeholders
involved whether there is something we can still do given the case
is already in court [and if] it is elevated to [the Court of
Appeals],” Finance Secretary Margarito Teves told reporters.
However, Transportation and Communications
Secretary Leandro Mendoza on Thursday heeded the call of transport
groups not to change the CTPL insurance on public utility vehicles,
which is being handled by private firms.
Teves said the Finance department has yet
discussed the CTPL case with the insurance commissioner.
Winston Garcia, GSIS president and general
manager said the CTPL scheme would proceed despite the protest filed
by private insurers before the Makati Regional Trial Court.
The Philippines Insurance and Reinsurance
Association had filed a motion for reconsideration before the Makati
court last week after the court ruled against the association on
technicalities.
On Mendoza’s move, Pasang Masda president Obet
Martin said: “It’s good news. There’s no problem, meaning the
current two-group system under Philippine Accident Managers
Insurance Inc. and Universal Transport Insurance Solutions Inc. will
remain.”
Martin made the announcement after a three-hour
meeting with Mendoza at the latter’s office in Mandaluyong City.
Mendoza’s decision will mean that the planned
takeover of the GSIS over the CTPL insurance of public transport
will not push through.
Transport groups said they are not encountering
any problem with the present system, where a beneficiary can avail
of P400,000 in insurance benefits.
-- Chino Leyco and James Konstantin Galvez
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