In a previous column, recounted a story about a local all-you-can-eat establishment and their flagrant breach of RA 10909, or the No Shortchanging Act of 2016, after they initially refused to provide the required 99¢ in change and, instead of rounding up to P1, they just disregarded it; after being confronted, they later provided the appropriate amount. However, according to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), as issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), businesses are required to “give exact amount of change to the consumer without waiting for the consumer to ask for the same.”

On a recent trip to one of the major supermarkets in town, the day’s groceries added up to an amount with 11¢ on the end; equipped with plenty of change, provided the exact whole amount, along with 10¢. The cashier proceeded to stand there silently, expecting more. Asked what else was needed, she asked for 1¢. When informing her about the lack of 1¢, the cashier proceeded to asked for 5¢. Given her adamant demeanor, provided additional cash up to the next whole number and told her, “Since you require the exact amount, your change should include 89¢.”

As expected, she came up short.

Since the cashier was so firm on demanding the exact amount, made the same pronouncements to her and demanded 4¢. She had nothing else to say but she did not have the amount. Suggested she contact her manager to sort out the situation.

Considering the store is making demands of customers to pay up to the final penny, why are customers not afforded the same courtesy?

According to the IRR, a business failing to provide customers their exact change is considered “deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices.”

As the back-and-forth continued, pointed out to the cashier her CEO is a billionaire and if he is unwilling to provide his employees with proper change, the customer should not have to pay for a company’s shortcomings. Her only response was pointing out that she herself was not a millionaire – clearly, completely missing the point.

Even the DTI-mandated sign on full display at her register, informing both employees and customers of the No Shortchanging Act, did not sway the employee. Unfortunately, she is probably one of a majority of local cashiers who comply by the superficial aspects of the law, but, depending on the customer, does not actually comply by the policy – it not only speaks poorly of the individual, but shows the company itself to be a greedy entity, making every effort to shortchange customers.

Considering how many customers visit the major supermarkets in town on a daily basis and how much change, however small, is taken from each person, that can accumulate to a substantial amount over a short period of time. Essentially, the company is using stolen cash to pad their wallets.

The situation at the supermarket, however, is only one of many similar scenarios that take place every day in Bacolod City. Almost all places of business continue shortchanging customers despite the existence of RA 10909 and most customers seem to be complicit. One may say it’s only a few cents, but they belong to the consumer; meaning, they have rightful ownership of that money, not the business.

For some places to offer an excuse of not having the appropriate denominations is also nonsensical.

Given the said situation in the Philippines, even when overseas, the paranoia of not being provided the correct change still appears.

On a trip to Seoul, was struck with anxiety after realizing the smallest bill available at the time was a W50,000 with the next intended purchase being breakfast.

Just before 9:00 a.m., stopped by a small sidewalk shop selling sandwiches for around W2,500 each. Knowing the bill would come to around W5,000 and with only a W50,000 bill, was preparing to be turned away – plus, it was right at opening. Once the cashier rung up the order, which came to around the expected W5,000, handed over the big bill and, without a word, she provided exact change.

How is it a small sidewalk shop in South Korea can provide that kind of change but a massive nationwide supermarket chain in the Philippines can’t even cough up one penny? It only makes sense if there is a sense of duplicity in mind./WDJ