Council committees back stricter rules on weighing scales

THE joint committees on trade and commerce, economic enterprises, and consumer protection met on September 12, 2025 to deliberate on the special report of Councilor George Christoppher Q. Goking seeking to revisit regulations on the use of digital and analog weighing scales in public markets and other business establishments.

The committees agreed to request a copy of the previous Technical Working Group’s (TWG) output as a reference for further study.

Mr. Julius Tasara of the Cagayan de Oro Economic Enterprises and Business Development Administration (CEEBDA) recommended providing scales for big and heavy items, while Mr. Allan Fernandez, Department Manager of the Eastbound and Westbound Terminals and Public Market, said the city can afford to buy weighing devices, noting that 1–15 kilo scales are most practical for bulk trading in the markets.

Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) Chairman Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy pushed for stricter measures, including barangay calibration of scales, confiscation and destruction of defective devices, stiffer penalties, and prosecution under national laws.

City Legal Office representative Ms. Elaine Macatual stressed that all weighing devices must be DTI-certified and regularly calibrated, with clear penalties and consumer education programs to promote fair trade.

The joint committees will consolidate recommendations from stakeholders in drafting a revised ordinance to strengthen consumer protection and accountability in the city’s markets. (JAO/SP)