Probe eyed on Senate oversupply of goods, toilet paper

MANILA, Philippines -  Several senators have vowed to get to the bottom of the overstocking of various supplies, including toilet paper, by the Senate and to charge the persons responsible for this if necessary.

Reacting to the annual audit report of the Commission on Audit (COA) for 2016, which found among other things the overstocking of supplies amounting to P1.4 million and the presence of P1.6 million worth of non-moving, obsolete or dormant supplies, at least three senators said that someone should be held accountable.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, on his Twitter account, said “someone should be jailed” for the irregularities found by the COA.

“3M worth of toilet paper? Even if all senators, staff and employees defecate 3x a day, no way we can consume that,” Lacson said in his tweet.

The P3 million was actually the combined total of the overstocked and dormant/obsolete supplies as indicated in the COA report.

For toilet paper specifically, the COA report indicated that the Senate went over the allowable three-month supply of 3,120 rolls by 3,272 rolls. The total cost for the excess stock of toilet paper was P37,075.92.

Other overstocked items found by the COA in its audit included insecticide, air fresheners and other office supplies.

Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on accounts, said he intends to conduct an investigation into the issue, using the COA report as his basis.

“The committee on accounts can conduct such inquiry, not only in aid of legislation but to make accountable and criminally liable by making proper recommendation to the ombudsman or DOJ (Department of Justice) to file the appropriate criminal charges against those responsible,” Lacson said. 

“We cannot tolerate or ignore such shenanigans right under the noses of the senators. If proven correct, not only must heads roll, whoever is/are responsible should be held criminally liable,” he added.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III previously said he would look into the findings of the COA through the office of the Senate secretary.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III aired his support for the conduct of an investigation into the issue to find out who was in charge of the procurement and why the person procured so much.

After being informed that there were no toilet paper rolls found in any of the Senate’s comfort rooms, Sotto pointed out that his office spends for its toilet paper supply.

“It’s best that it’s investigated. And let’s find out who did the procurement and why. It’s the best thing to do now. Managot ang dapat managot,” Sotto said.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, for his part, said the Senate should maintain its integrity and not allow such irregularities to take place right under its nose.

“If there are irregularities there and if the COA found something irregular, then that has to be looked into and some heads have to roll if they are found guilty,” Ejercito said.