To assure Filipino consumers that the products they buy from groceries or public markets have accurate weights and sizes, Senator Grace Poe has called for the installation of “timbangan (weighing) centers” all over the country.
According to Poe, the use of a “timbangan center” by any consumer in any locality — which should be within the area where there are public or private markets, supermarkets, groceries and even malls – will be free of charge.
The legislator recently filed Senate Bill No. 2050 as a way of protecting consumers from substandard products.
“The height, weight and other measurements are the primary indicators of the quality of a product. If the actual measurements of a product do not meet what is published, then it is a likely indicator that it is defective or even substandard,” the lawmaker said.
“The height, weight and other measurements are the primary indicators of the quality of a product.”
“Filipino consumers must be protected from these defective or substandard products,” the lady senator added.
In proposing the establishment of “timbangan centers”, she is also seeking to amend and introduce a provision in RA 7364 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines on its creation in all local government units (LGUs).
“In proposing the establishment of timbangan centers, there is a need to amend and introduce a provision in RA 7364 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.”
With the amendment, all “timbangan centers” will be located in publicly accessible locations and readily enable those who may want to verify the accuracy of the quantity and measurements of the products they purchased, said Poe.
Poe also proposed that market supervisors be in charge of the safekeeping and maintenance of such instruments.
Market supervisors will likewise keep a record of all products found to be wanting in quantity or substandard in dimension, the establishment where the same were bought and the name of the proprietor or manager, Poe added.
