NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
COA Flags SSS For P13.3-M Tissue Oversupply
FILE
The Commission on Audit (COA) has raised concerns over the Social Security System’s (SSS) purchase of more than 143,000 rolls of tissue paper in 2023—an order so large that about 116,000 rolls were never delivered to SSS warehouses and were left with the supplier instead.
In its 2023 audit report, COA said the SSS bought tissue supplies worth ₱13.3 million, far exceeding the agency’s documented two-month consumption. Despite the massive order, the bulk of the shipment was kept by the supplier under a verbal arrangement that had no written documentation.
Auditors said this setup violated government procurement and property-accountability rules, which require that supplies be properly received, recorded, and stored by the agency.
COA also noted the cost implications, pointing out that the amount spent on the excess tissue is equivalent to one month’s pension for around 2,000 retirees or funeral benefits for more than 600 members, underscoring the potential waste of public funds.
In its 2023 audit report, COA said the SSS bought tissue supplies worth ₱13.3 million, far exceeding the agency’s documented two-month consumption. Despite the massive order, the bulk of the shipment was kept by the supplier under a verbal arrangement that had no written documentation.
Auditors said this setup violated government procurement and property-accountability rules, which require that supplies be properly received, recorded, and stored by the agency.
COA also noted the cost implications, pointing out that the amount spent on the excess tissue is equivalent to one month’s pension for around 2,000 retirees or funeral benefits for more than 600 members, underscoring the potential waste of public funds.
Dec 9, 2025
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