Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 02 Consumer Welfare Division Chief Randolph Cacacho advised business owners to give customers exact change to avoid violating the RA 10909 also known as the “No Shortchanging Act.”

The “No Shortchanging Act” aims to protect the welfare of consumers from unscrupulous business owners who give insufficient change or give customers candies in lieu of monetary change.

 

According to OIC Cacacho, first time violators of RA 10909 will pay Php. 500.00 fine. For second offense, business establishment’s license to operate will be suspended for three (3) months plus Php. 15, 000.00 fine. For third offense, establishment’s license to operate will be revoked and a Php 25, 000.00 fine.

 

“Consumers must be more vigilant in exercising their rights and Business establishments must be compliant in all Fair Trade Laws”, he added.

Meanwhile, DTI-Batanes through STIDS Jonathan Gato and MSMEDC Secretariat Justinne Jerico Socito with the support of DTI Batanes Provincial Caretaker Marietta Salviejo conducted a regular radio guesting and interviews at the Radyo ng Bayan – Batanes started on August 25, 2016 to further strengthen advocacies on consumer matters including the newly enacted law.

 

Under this new act, businesses will not be exempted from giving change just because they lack loose bills of coins and are likewise required to post a sign that reminds their customers to ask for an exact change. 

 

The RA 10909 is not only applicable to business establishments but also to public transport vehicles, among others.

 

Furthermore, Rights and Responsibilities of Consumers in the Use of Social Media were also discussed during the interview to advise the public to “Think before Posting” anything in social media platforms since Online Libel and Harassments has been criminalized under new Cybercrime Law of the Philippines.

Photo taken during the radio interview in Batanes