Over 130 illegal weighing scales were destroyed by Valenzuela City on Wednesday, January 15. Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Valenzuela City’s local government destroyed approximately 130 illegal weighing scales on Wednesday, January 15.

The scales were confiscated from various public and private markets across the city over the past six months.

According to Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, many of these scales were found to be tampered to deceive consumers. 

“Marami doon ay dinadagdagan ng pambigat sa loob. Nahuli ho namin na kapag binuksan ninyo ‘yong digital na timbangan, merong bakal. It’s actually not visible to consumers eyes. Doon naman sa hindi digital, ‘yong bilog, may screw ‘yon sa taas, may way silang dayain ‘yong meter,” Gatchalian explained. 

The LGU also conducted surprise inspections at the Karuhatan public market to ensure compliance with City Ordinance No. 903 s. 2021, which promotes “fair and just trade” in the city’s markets. 

Aside from the destroyed scales, around 60 confiscated units were returned to their owners after they paid penalties under the ordinance. However, the mayor clarified that these scales must be recalibrated by the LGU before they can be used again. 

Consumers who doubt the weight of their purchased goods can double-check using the public weighing scales installed in city markets. 

“Ayaw natin na manlolokong vendors. Naiintindihan po natin na hirap ang taumbayan, mataas ang presyo ng bigas, krudo, pamilihin, mga gulay. The least that we can do is to protect them,” the mayor added. 

For consumers like 68-year-old Rufina Ng, ensuring accurate product weights is crucial as it affects their budget. 

“Kung pakiramdam ko na kulang ang timbang, may timbangan ako sa bahay or dito sa [timbangan ng bayan]. Pero sa palengke na ito, panatag ang loob ko na they give me the right weight,” Ng shared. 

City personnel regularly patrol markets to ensure no illegal scales are in use.

“Kahit itimbang nila sa bahay nila or saang timbangan, sigurado po ako doon. Kasi ‘yong timbangan namin is tama, calibrated,” said vendor Ireen Panganiban. 

Under the city ordinance, all weighing and measuring instruments must be accurate, calibrated, and certified.  Regular calibration is required to avoid penalties.

Those caught using illegal scales will face fines ranging from P5,000 to P15,000 and could have their business permits revoked.