Title
Property Insurance Fund Law
Law
Republic Act No. 656
Decision Date
Jun 16, 1951
The Property Insurance Law establishes a Property Insurance Fund to compensate the government for damage or loss to its properties, with premiums paid by the government and administered by the Government Service Insurance System.
A

Administration and Powers of the Fund

  • Administration is vested in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
  • GSIS may reinsure with private companies under mutually agreed terms.
  • GSIS has power to prescribe rules, appoint personnel certified by the Civil Service, set duties and fix remuneration.
  • Exemption from Section 15 of Commonwealth Act No. 186 for Fund personnel.

Key Definitions under the Act

  • "System": Government Service Insurance System established by Commonwealth Act No. 186.
  • "Fund": Property Insurance Fund created by this Act.
  • "Property": Includes vessels, vehicles, machinery, permanent buildings, stored properties, rented buildings, and properties in transit.
  • "Government": National, provincial, city, municipal governments, agencies, commissions, boards, and government-owned/controlled enterprises.
  • "Disposable Surplus": Amount left after setting aside insurance and other reserves and administrative expenses.

Insurance Requirement and Coverage

  • All governments except municipal below first class must insure properties with the Fund.
  • Premiums must not exceed those charged by private insurers.
  • GSIS reserves right to disapprove whole or part of the insurance amount.
  • Uninsurable properties can be insured privately.
  • Municipal governments below first class may apply for insurance under rules set by GSIS.

Premium Payment and Penalties

  • Premiums must be paid in advance by the concerned government according to GSIS rules.
  • Officials responsible for collection/remittance failing duties are liable for premium payment and a fine of 2% per month from due date until payment.

Statistical Data and Reporting

  • GSIS to collect and analyze statistical data to determine risks and premium rates.
  • Fund accounts kept separate from other GSIS funds.
  • Annual report on Fund operations submitted to the President every October.

Auditing and Legal Advisory

  • Auditor General serves as ex-officio auditor; Government Corporate Counsel as legal adviser.
  • Auditor General submits audited financial statements annually.
  • Actuarial valuation of the Fund is conducted.

Disposal and Guarantee of Surplus

  • Disposable surplus apportioned among insured governments as approved by GSIS.
  • The Philippine Government guarantees fulfillment of Fund obligations as they become due.

Inventory, Premium Assessment, and Fund Release

  • GSIS requires property inventory and valuation for premium determination.
  • Governments must set aside appropriations for premiums and certify availability.
  • Auditor General releases funds to GSIS, which governments must remit immediately.
  • Premiums for entities with special funds paid from respective special funds, otherwise from general funds.

Appropriation and Remittance of Premiums

  • Governments must include insurance premiums in annual appropriations and remit immediately to GSIS.

Repeal and Liquidation of Previous Fund

  • Repeals Chapter 16 of Revised Administrative Code relating to previous Property Insurance Fund.
  • Remaining assets and liabilities liquidated and transferred to GSIS.
  • Existing insurance coverage continues under old law until insured anew under this Act.

Effective Date

  • The Act takes effect on the first day of the third calendar month after approval.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.