Group gets tools for price monitoring

Gas pump calibrators and weighing scale detectors were turned over to a Cebu-based consumer group to aid in their monitoring activities on gasoline stations and public markets in the province.

Vic Sapio, president of the Consumer Rights for Economic Welfare Inc. (CREW), said they will start using their instruments for monitoring next Monday.

The equipment was turned over by Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones, who said they will donate similar equipment to other CREW members in Bohol and Iloilo.

Palmones said Trade and Industry Secretary Domingo also designated undersecretary Zeny Maglaya to coordinate directly with CREW in their monitoring.

Sapio said they also acquired accreditation from the Departments of Trade and Industry and Science and Technology for their monitoring campaign.

Sapio said they will also conduct information campaigns to educate the consumers on how to resolve unfair trade practices.

Palmones said their group is monitoring the pork industry in partnership with the Central Visayas Pork Producers Cooperative.

“We have already won an initial battle against illegal imported pork but the battle is still ongoing. We need more monitoring and we need the private sector to help us do that,” Palmones said.

CREW is a private sector-led organization formed last June that advocates the protection of consumer rights.

The group registered with the Securities and Exchange Commision last July and has over 500 members to date.