Arroyo forms task force to fast-track ‘Ondoy’ insurance claims

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday created a task force to fast-track the at least P11 billion in insurance claims by victims of tropical storm "Ondoy" (international name Ketsana). The President picked Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera as head of the task force. Devanadera advised claimants to go to their respective insurance companies and to the National Insurance Commission first to file their claims before seeking her agency's help. “When the claim is delayed, only then can you go to the DOJ," she said. Devanadera added that the DOJ's role is in the filing of criminal charges against erring insurance companies that would not settle claims within the 30-day period set by law. She stressed that her department's mandate does not include receiving, processing and settling claims and payments. "We accept only complaints, not claims," she said. Mrs. Arroyo earlier held a private meeting with Devanadera and NIC Commissioner Eduardo Malinis in Malacañang. For his part, Malinis said the NIC talked to insurance companies last week to expedite the processing of claims. He said the insurance companies assured him that they would cooperate with the government for the speedy settlement of claims. He cited figures from the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association (PIRA) that there are about P11 billion worth of property claims that they are expecting from the victims of cyclones Ondoy and "Pepeng" (international name Parma). Under the existing Insurance Code, Malinis said insurance companies have 30 days to pay the claimants upon the submission of proof of loss. After the 30-day period, the company is liable to pay interest for the delay. Devanadera said a delay could lead to criminal liabilities as violations of insurance law. She said claimants have two options in filing their claims: One is to file their claims with the company, copy furnished the NIC, and another is to directly file the claims to the NIC and the government would forward them to their respective insurance companies. On both cases the government could monitor and follow up the claims of the victims, the Justice chief said. Malinis said proof of loss needed in the filing of claims include a police report certifying that there is indeed flooding in the area and that the claimant's property was affected. The claimant is encouraged to bring photos of his/her damaged property. Malinis and Devanadera said there were no complaints yet against insurance companies, adding the task force is a pre-emptive measure to help the victims. - GMANews.TV