The Commission on Audit (COA) has called the attention of the Social Security System (SSS) after discovering what auditors described as an “excessive and impractical” procurement of tissue paper worth more than P13 million. The finding, released in COA’s latest audit report, has sparked questions about the agency’s procurement practices and its stewardship of members’ contributions.
COA Flags SSS for Excessive P13-Million Tissue Paper Purchase
According to state auditors, the quantity of tissue rolls purchased was far beyond the SSS’ projected consumption for a two-month supply. COA noted that the supply ordered was so large that it could not even fit inside the SSS’ storage facilities, indicating that the procurement did not match the agency’s actual operational needs. This mismatch, auditors said, suggests poor planning, lack of proper assessment, and a failure to follow prudent spending standards required of government offices.
COA emphasized that the SSS, being a fund built from workers’ mandatory contributions, must be especially careful in ensuring that every expenditure directly supports its mandate and benefits its members. “It is crucial that SSS funds are used judiciously. These are contributions entrusted by members who rely on the system for financial protection and social security,” the report underscored.
The discovery has triggered public concern, with members and citizens expressing alarm that resources meant to support retirement, disability, and other benefit programs may be mismanaged or wasted on non-essential office supplies. Advocacy groups have also urged the SSS to review its internal controls and provide a clear explanation on how such a procurement was approved.
In response to the findings, COA recommended that the SSS strengthen its supply and demand assessments, improve inventory monitoring, and implement stricter procurement guidelines to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Auditors also advised the agency to ensure that all purchases are adequately justified and aligned with realistic consumption patterns. As of this writing, the SSS has yet to issue an official statement addressing the audit observations. The controversy adds to the ongoing public call for greater transparency and accountability in government agencies, especially those entrusted with managing billions in members’ contributions for long-term social protection.
