TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) inspected about 300 weighing scales used by vendors at the public market of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Tarlac Consumer’s Council Inc., Philippine National Police, and the Local Price Coordinating Council.
DTI OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo said the activity is part of the agency’s mandate to protect consumers pursuant to Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
“The law states that instruments of weights and measures should be officially tested, calibrated, sealed or inspected, and therefore, any alteration thereto, giving short weight or measure is violative of the provision,” she explained.
Out of the 300 analog and digital weighing scales inspected, 11 were found to be defective.
These defective weighing scales were confiscated and turned-over to the municipal government of Sta. Ignacia.
Meanwhile, DTI installed two “Timbangan ng Bayan” or public weighing scales to help consumers check the accuracy of the weight of their purchases.
The agency regularly conducts saturation drives to promote consumer welfare and protection, and ensure the practice of accurate weighing measurements among market vendors. (CLJD/TJBM PIA-Region 3, Tarlac)
