Confiscated weighing scales from markets to be destroyed

CEBU, Philippines — Over 200 confiscated weighing scales from public markets in Cebu City will soon be destroyed.

Market Administrator Robert Barquilla told The Freeman that there were actually around 300 weighing scales that were confiscated from the vendors by the Office of the City Markets (OCM) in the whole year of 2023.

OCM confiscates weighing scales that do not function well and would provide inaccurate readings.

Of the total number of confiscated weighing scales for 2023, Barquilla said some can still be recalibrated while 223 totally defective weighing scales that are currently under the custody of the OCM are set to be destroyed or recycled.

“223 ka timbangan na defective naa na sa custody sa market dili na jud madala for calibration,”said Barquilla.

Meanwhile, John Paul Amores, OCM public information officer, said through the City’s Sugboanon channel that most of the violators were ambulant vendors.

“Kasagaran sa mga nasakpan nga naggamit og tikasan nga timbangan kay mga ambulant vendors nga nag-operate sa gawas ug walay mga permit,” Amores said.

According to Amores, OCM confiscated faulty weighing scales after receiving complaints from market goers that they were being cheated on by some vendors at the city’s main and satellite markets.

Under OCM are Carbon Market units 1, 2 and 3, Freedom Park and Warwick Barracks, Pasil Fish Market, and the public markets of Cogon Ramos, Poblacion Pardo, Taboan and T. Padilla.

Based on the city’s Market Code, registered vendors caught using defective weighing scales could face penalties, like up to three months worth of their rentals.

However, ambulant vendors are only pegged to pay a P500 fine, but their weighing scales would be confiscated and they will no longer be allowed to operate in the city, depending on the gravity of the violation.

Amores advised vendors to be honest to their customers to avoid any trouble.

To avoid getting outsmarted, market goers are also advised to verify the weight of the items that they bought at the “Timbangan ng Bayan” at any market.

The Department of Trade and Industry has placed its own independent weighing scales in all markets to ensure that market goers can recheck what they bought.

OCM’s complaints desk is also set up in public markets,  and they have a Facebook page where the public can send a complaint.

“If naa sila’y reklamo, naa ta’y complaints desk kada merkado. Modawat sad ta ug reklamo sa atong OCM Facebook page. Amo dayon na aksyonan,” assured Amores. — (FREEMAN)