By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) resolution is proposing barangay captains provide a centralized weighing scale for their respective markets.

Based on the copy of the resolution forwarded to members of the media, the request seeks to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair sales practices at local markets.

The resolution called it “a policy of the state” to protect the interests of consumers, promote the general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business and industry.

The policy also cited Article 62 of RA 7394, or The Consumer Act of the Philippines, which prohibits the use of false scales, balance weights, or measures.

RA 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, was also cited, noting, the “fraudulent practices and unlawful possession or use of instruments of weights and measures” is subject to criminal penalty.

Among the barangays recommended to centralize their weighing scales were Barangays 36, Bata, Estefania, Granada, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Sum-ag, Montevista, and Singcang-Airport.

Back in January, Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, who heads the Market Coordinating and Monitoring Task Force, said weighing scale inspections were scheduled to be conducted at Burgos Public Market, Central Market, and Libertad Public Market./DGB, WDJ