Valenzuela destroys defective weighing scales

The local government of Valenzuela City revealed on Wednesday that it has destroyed 130 inaccurate weighing scales during a crackdown operation at the Karuhatan Market.

Dubbed “Operation Timbangan,” the operation aimed to ensure fair trade practices between vendors and consumers in the city’s public markets.

Mayor Weslie Gatchalian lauded the initiative and stressed its alignment with Ordinance 903, series of 2021, also known as the New Market Code of Valenzuela City.

This ordinance imposes fines ranging from P5,000 to P15,000 on vendors and establishments found using tampered weighing scales. Repeat offenders may have their business permits revoked.

“There are specific procedures for weighing scales, especially those used for public selling,” Gatchalian said. “Every weighing scale should be inspected and approved by the city to receive the necessary stickers and seals.”

However, Gatchalian cited that even scales with the required seals do not always guarantee accurate weight measurements.

“Some scales have seals, but vendors insert materials underneath to increase the weight,” the mayor said.

Before the destruction, Gatchalian personally inspected weighing scales used by fish and pork vendors within the market. He advised consumers to utilize the “Timbangan ng Bayan” — a central weighing scale mandated by Republic Act 11706 — to verify the weight of their purchases.