The Valenzuela City government confiscated a total of 130 non-conforming weighing scales on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from different markets in the city during “Operation Timbangan”.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian led the "Operation Timbangan" on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (Valenzuela City PIO)
The activity was led by Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian, DTI-FTEB Director Atty. Regino Mallari, Committee on Market and Slaughterhouse Chairman Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, LEDIPO Head Ms. Janina Bautista, and Karuhatan Punong Barangay Martell Soledad.
The operation is in accordance with regulating the use of weighing devices in public markets.
“Hindi po rason ang pagmahal ng bilihin, dahil lahat naman po tayo ay naghahanap-buhay, importante po na tayo ay tapat sa ating gawain. Dito po sa Valenzuela, ang pinaiiral natin ay disiplina, ayaw po nating pinagsasamantalahan ang ating mga consumer. Dapat po natin silang protektahan, bilang bahagi ng ating misyon na pagandahan ang ating environment dito sa lungsod )It is not a reason to love goods, because we are all looking for a living, it is important that we are honest in our work. Here in Valenzuela, what we have is discipline, we don't want to exploit our consumers. We must protect them, as part of our mission to beautify our environment here in the city),” Mayor Gatchalian said.
Weighing scales confiscated by the city government ( Valenzuela City PIO) The Republic Act No. 11706, or the "Timbangan ng Bayan Act," mandates the establishment of Timbangan ng Bayan Centers in public and private markets to provide consumers with a means of verifying weighing instruments.
Repeat violations could result in the cancellation of business permits, ensuring strict accountability.
The operation enforces City Ordinance No. 903, Series of 2021, also known as the New Market Code of Valenzuela City. the ordinance imposes fines ranging from P5,000 to P15,000 on vendors or establishments found using tampered or non-compliant weighing devices.
Aside from destroying the confiscated weighing scales in an environmentally responsible manner, the event also aimed to educate market vendors about the proper use and maintenance of compliant weighing devices.