Emphasizing the significance that all market transactions are fair and transparent, benefiting both the consumers and vendors, Committee Chairman on Market and Slaughterhouse, Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee spearheaded the discussion on the New Market Code Ordinance of Valenzuela City. He stressed that violating the ordinance has consequences for non-compliance. The ordinance imposes fines ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000 on vendors or establishments found using tampered or non-compliant weighing devices.
Meanwhile, DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Mr. Joel Buag highlighted the policies and laws related to consumer protection and fair trade practices, specifically the Timbangan ng Bayan or the Republic Act 11706 authored by Mayor WES during his term as Congressman.
In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian reminded the market vendors to observe and follow the said national law, “Ipinaglaban ko po iyan (Timbangan ng Bayan) hindi lang para sa Valenzuela kundi para sa buong Pilipinas…. Sana po, bilang dito po ako nanunungkulan at nakatira (sa Valenzuela) sana dito natin maging example na maganda sa Valenzuela.“
Some 74 non-compliant weighing scales were confiscated last March 17-18 from various markets in the City during Operation Timbangan conducted by the City Treasurer’s Office, LEDIPO, Consumer Welfare Unit. The owners may retrieve these weighing scales upon payment of the administrative penalty, recalibration of the weighing scales, and secure the seal.
Furthermore, Mayor WES also conducted a surprise inspection at the Marulas Public Market and checked if the rice retailers were adhering to the Department of Agriculture's Administrative Circular No. 05, Series of 2025, which sets the Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice (5% broken) at ₱49.00 per kilo.
In support of the national directives, the City Government of Valenzuela will start selling NFA rice at a maximum of 10 kilograms per consumer starting next week. According to Mayor WES, about 1000 kilograms to 3000 kilograms will be sold at the selected 3S Centers in Valenzuela City.
Also present during the dialogue were the Department of Trade and Industry Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau, Ms. Carlina Josue, LEDIPO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Janina Bautista, City Treasurer Ms. Adelia Soriano, and Marulas Punong Barangay Cocoy Espino.
Raising awareness of fair trade practices reinforces the City's commitment to protecting both the consumers and market owners – encouraging them to comply with the law to avoid penalties in the future.
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