A solon has questioned the alleged verbal agreement that sealed the Social Security System’s purchase of 143,424 rolls of toilet paper worth P13.195 million, at P92 per roll.

In its 2024 report, the Commission on Audit (CoA) flagged the deal by the state pension fund, which was made without supporting documentation or a formal memorandum of understanding.

The cost of a single roll of toilet paper ranges from P30 to P50 for premium, significant, or specialized rolls, with typical prices between P10 and P20 per roll when bought in multi-packs.

Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima said a legislative probe is in order over the overpriced supplies.

“Has the SSS issued any explanation on this? This must be investigated, especially since we are talking about millions in funds that should be used for the pensions and benefits of SSS members,” De Lima said.

“Verbal?? Not even written down on a piece of tissue paper?” she said sarcastically.

Deal improper

The Social Security System, as a government institution subject to strict procurement and audit rules, cannot under any circumstances enter into a mere verbal agreement for any purchase, a legal expert told Daily Tribune.

“Much less for something as absurdly overpriced as the so-called ‘golden tissue papers.’” the lawyer source said.

He said all transactions involving public funds must be documented, competitively bid out, and covered by formal contracts.

A verbal deal not only violates procurement laws but creates opportunities for abuse, favoritism, and unaccountable spending.

“For an agency handling billions in workers’ contributions, even the slightest hint of an off-the-books agreement is unacceptable,” he added.

The issue underscores a critical point: public institutions are duty-bound to safeguard every peso, and anything procured, whether essential equipment or something as frivolous as premium toilet paper, must go through transparent, lawful processes.

In short, the source said, the SSS cannot, should not, and must not entertain any verbal “gentleman’s agreement,” especially for items that raise obvious red flags for waste, extravagance, and corruption.

The CoA report stated that the large order, coupled with a purely verbal deal, exposed government resources to risks, including the potential loss or deterioration of the items.

The report noted that the procurement was undertaken without sufficient planning and without consideration of warehouse capacity.

The CoA urged the SSS to strengthen its procurement process, strictly adhere to inventory limits, and ensure all future transactions are supported by proper documentation and formal agreements.