THE GSIS union and two non-government organizations yesterday filed graft, misconduct and administrative complaints against Winston Garcia, the state pension fund's president and general manager, and the GSIS board of trustees for alleged illegal diversion of P1 billion surplus funds to the Office of the President rather than the National Treasury as required by law.

Complainants Alberto Velasco, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa GSIS (KMG); Miguel Miram, founding member of the Parents-Teachers Coalition for Advancement (PTCA); and Luz Pacete of the School Association of Parents Anti-Crime (SAPAC), said the turnover of the funds was made possible through the approval of Board Resolution 255 on Dec. 6, 2004.

GSIS chief legal counsel Estrella Elamparo questioned the complaints.

"Why did complainants wait for four years before going to the Ombudsman? We find the timing of the complaint curious. Also Mr. Velasco cannot represent the KMG because he ceased to be a GSIS employee in 2004. KMG has a new president and new set of officials. He no longer represents the interests of the GSIS employees," Elamparo said.

Named co-respondents of Garcia were board of trustees chair Bernardino Abes and members Victoria Ablan, Jesse Andres, Mario Ramirez, Esperanza Ocampo, Reynaldo Palmiery, Alejandro Roces, Jesus Santos, and Nita Javier.

The complainants sought indictment against the respondents for violation of the GSIS Act of 1997, usurpation of legislative functions, graft and corruption and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.