Full weight of law vs rigged scales in Marikina

MANILA, Philippines—Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman has ordered the random inspection of weighing scales used in the city’s public markets following mounting complaints from consumers.

“We won’t allow the practice of under-weighing commodities as it is considered fraud. Anyone caught violating this will be punished,” De Guzman said, citing a 1997 ordinance penalizing unscrupulous vendors who rig their scales using a piece of metal or contraption concealed in the mechanism.

The ordinance slaps first-time offenders with a P1,500 fine, P3,000 for a second offense, and P5,000 or six months to a year in prison for a third violation.

Complainants can call 646-1996.—Niña Calleja