By Mae Singuay

The Bacolod City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) confiscated 11 weighing scales following the ongoing inspection of all public markets in the city.

CTO Licensing Division chief Jose Ernie Carpintero said yesterday, seven weighing scales were seized in the fish section, while the other four were from the meat and dry sections in the Libertad Public Market.

Under City Ordinance No. 565, or the Revised Local Revenue Code of Bacolod, the CTO is authorized to test, calibrate, and seal weighing scales.

“Every person in this city using such instruments in his business, profession, or calling shall have them tested and sealed annually and pay the fees,” the ordinance said.

Carpintero said that the ongoing inspection conducted by the CTO does not limit to the weighing scales, but also includes gasoline stations.

This is in line with the implementation of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Under the act, any person in violation of the provisions of the law shall be subject to a fine of not less than P500 or imprisonment of not less than one month, but not more than five years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

Likewise, the owner-possessor or user of the instrument of weights will, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than P300, imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

Carpintero explained that since this was the owners’ first offense, the CTO only confiscated their weighing scales and advised them to get new ones./MS, WDJ