Unbelievably Great Service from the GSIS

June 17, 2005

For about half of my working life, I’ve been a government employee. That means many things none of which have to do with efficient service.  So, when my wife said June 15 was the deadline to get a GSIS eCard, I did not look forward to wasting a whole day getting a piece of plastic that will probably languish in my wallet until the day I die.  I grudgingly accompanied her to the GSIS office nearest our home. 

It was incredible.

We were out of there in 30 minutes with our eCards in hand.  Not only was it our GSIS Membership Card, it’s a Union Bank ATM card and a debit card to boot.  Plus, I can get a P5,000 loan instantly over the GSIS website. 

This is a great eGovernment project and I commend the GSIS in pulling it off.  Galing niyo! 

How to Admit the Inadmissible Tapes

Atty. Marichu Lambino, part-time Erap private prosecutor and my wife’s friend sends this  SMS:

The tapes themselves are inadmissible but what about the testimony of the person who made the tape?

She’s obviously trying to see if there are ways of getting the tape or its contents admitted in a court of law or perhaps, an impeachment proceeding.   After all, it’s an uphill battle.  Both the Constitution and Anti Wiretapping Law  are clear — the illegally taped conversations are inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.  That’s broad enough to cover all government processes.  But thankfully not the court of public opinion.

Her question got me thinking as to how one could do what the law seems to prohibit.  I think I’ve found a way.
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