Four Faulty Weighing Scales Confiscated in Lapu-Lapu City Public Market Amid Tightened Inspections

Lapu-Lapu City public market officials confiscated four defective weighing scales from vendors in Barangay Poblacion after inspections revealed the use of tampered devices designed to overcharge consumers. This measure aims to protect buyers from fraudulent practices in the market.

City Public Market Administrator Ma. Elena Caballes, in an interview on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, disclosed that inspectors seized three altered scales during the first round of inspection on November 24 and an additional one during a follow-up inspection two days later. The affected vendors included three from the fish section and one from the meat section.

"We have been conducting regular inspections and calibrations in the public market. However, the recent embargo was prompted by a viral video showing a customer complaining about being shortchanged on purchased goods," Caballes explained.

To strengthen consumer protection, market officials plan to increase the frequency of inspections from thrice weekly to daily random checks, especially in preparation for the expected surge of shoppers in December. All seized defective scales have been permanently removed from use.

Under the City Ordinance, first-time offenders caught intentionally manipulating weighing scales face a fine of PHP 500, while those found guilty of deliberate or fraudulent tampering may also be subject to imprisonment.

Caballes urged buyers to remain vigilant and cautious about such deceptive weighing practices, affirming the city’s commitment to enforce stricter monitoring in the main Public Market in Poblacion and its satellite markets.