TARLAC CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac and the municipal government of Pura inspected weighing scales in the town’s public market, as mandated by the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
This initiative aims to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices by ensuring the proper use of weights and measures.
The saturation drive was spearheaded by the Office of the Municipal Treasurer, in coordination with the market supervisor.
According to DTI, a total of 91 stalls in the meat, fish, fruit, and vegetable sections were inspected.
As a result of the operation, 19 defective digital and analog weighing scales were confiscated and turned over to the municipal treasury.
DTI Tarlac OIC-Division Chief Maria Divina Gloria Ramos emphasized the importance of fairness in trade and safeguarding consumer rights.
“Consumers pay the proper price for every product they purchase. 5rTherefore, it is only fair and just that these products are sold at the correct weight. Should there be any doubt about the weight of the products they bought, they can verify it using the Timbangan ng Bayan located inside the public market,” she stated.
Pura Municipal Mayor John Paul Balmores, for his part, expressed support for the initiative.
“Tama yan, para alam nila na seryoso tayo na maiayos ang ating pamilihang bayan (That’s right, so they will know that we are serious about putting our public market in order),” he said upon learning the total number of confiscated weighing scales.
The operation was likewise a result of the strengthening of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) through DTI’s coordination with local government units (LGUs) in the province.
The inspection team also included members of the Business Permits and Licensing Office, the Tarlac Consumers Council Inc., and the Philippine National Police.
Furthermore, DTI continues to work with LGUs through the LPCCs to expand consumer protection efforts.
