54 illegal weights seized in city markets
The Iloilo City Special Services Unit (SSU) has beefed up its massive crackdown against unscrupulous vendors who shortchanged customers by using defective weighing scales amid rising prices this Holiday season.
The SSU personnel with the assistance of city police officers confiscated November 25-26 a total of 54 illegal weighing scales during their regular on the spot inspections all over the public markets in the metropolis.
At least 29 illegal weights were seized from Iloilo Terminal Market in City Proper, 13 from Molo and Fundidor Mini-Market, seven from Arevalo market and five from Mandurriao market.
Most of the weights were confiscated for lack of official seal. Under the rule, the SSU also apprehends those with broken seal, expired license and shortchange and defective.
“The presence of official seal is necessary to prove the weighing scale has been inspected and passed the standards of SSU and city treasurer’s office,” said SSU chief Zellah Gil.
City Ordinance No. 399 penalizes vendors caught using substandard weights with fines of P200 to P1,000. They should also pay fees for calibration and official sealing of their weighing devices.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas ordered SSU to intensify the campaign against illegal weighing devices to protect the interest of buying public.
He appealed to all vendors to always observe proper trade practices to avoid seizure. (Iloilo City PIO)
