PANIQUI, Tarlac (February 5, 2025) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac recently confiscated seven defective weighing scales from vendors at the Paniqui Public Market.
During a routine inspection, DTI personnel checked 130 weighing scales, finding seven to be inaccurate.
Florencia Balilo, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director of DTI Tarlac, emphasized the importance of the operation, stating that it aims to protect consumers in accordance with Republic Act 7394, the Consumer Act of the Philippines. “This program, a collaborative effort between DTI, local government units, and consumer organizations, ensures that weighing scales used in the market meet regulatory standards, safeguarding consumers’ interests and guaranteeing accurate measurements,” Balilo explained.
The inspection was conducted in partnership with the Tarlac Consumer’s Council Inc. and the Local Price Coordination Council of Paniqui. The confiscated weighing scales have been turned over to the Paniqui Market Administrator.
In addition to checking the scales, DTI personnel also monitored price tags, labels, and the weight of repacked goods. These regular saturation drives are conducted by DTI in various public markets across Tarlac to protect consumer rights and promote accurate weighing practices among vendors. The goal is to ensure that consumers receive fair value for their money when making purchases.
