A joint team from the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO)and the Department of Trade and Industry- Zamboanga City Office (DTI-ZCO) confiscated 7 defective and uncalibrated weighing scales from various stalls at the main public market during a series of inspection conducted from October 25 to 27.

As this developed, the Business Tax Division of the CTO reported the collection of a total of P56,071.00 from fines and registration fees of weighing scales from 104 market stalls during the 3-day inspection at the main public market.

The fines and fees collected were based on the provisions of City Ordinance 1992-005 which regulates the use of instruments of weights and measures in the city of Zamboanga and providing penalty thereof.

Under the law, registration of weights and measures is P70 which is inclusive of sticker and tagging, while the fine for non-registration is P500.

The CTO’s Business Tax Division regularly conducts the inspection of weighing scales in stalls at the public market and other business establishments all year round.

Based on the ordinance, it is mandatory for weighing scales to be calibrated annually and registered with the CTO.

Meanwhile, the DTI-ZCO in a press statement published in its facebook page said the “primary focus of the operation was to ensure strict compliance with the regulations government proper weights and measures, all in the interest of guaranteeing that consumers get the vest value for their money.”

The DTI, undertakes Operation Timbangan which aims to protect the rights and interests of consumers, ensuring that weighing scales are accurately calibrated and that consumers consistently receive their money’s worth. This is in line with the observance of Consumer Welfare Month. (Sheila Covarrubias)