96 defective weights destroyed
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog yesterday led the destruction of 96 illegal and defective weighing devices confiscated by the Social Services Unit, during the City Hall flag raising rites.
The weighing scales were seized by SSU and subsequently condemned from July 2009 to July 2010 after owners either abandoned the units or failed to redeem them.
“We are intensifying our campaign against illegal weights to protect the interest of the buying public,” Mabilog said.
He also warned consumers to be wary of unscrupulous vendors who might shortchange them.
In a report submitted to Mabilog, SSU Chief Zellah Gil said their scheduled operations cover Iloilo Central Market, La Paz Public Market, Iloilo Terminal Market and Jaro Big Market, with the last two marketplaces having the most number of confiscations.
Seventy-five owners of illegal weights were identified while 21 were no longer traceable.
“We conduct daily monitoring but we schedule the operation especially in our public markets,” Gil said.
Most violations pertain to the absence of official seal required for every weighing scale used in city markets.
The official seal is a proof that the weighing scale has been inspected and passed the standards of SSU and City Treasurer’s Office.
City Ordinance No. 399 penalizes vendors caught with illegal or defective weights with a fine of P200 to P1,000.
They are also required to pay fees for calibration and official sealing of their confiscated units.
Vendors can have their weights calibrated and sealed at CTO for P200.*
