Strengthening its Project Execution Team (PET) campaign against incorrect PLTK — Presyo (price), Label, Timbang (weight), Kalidad (quality) — the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) reminds the buying public to re-weigh pre-packed products being sold at grocery stores, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores, among others,
prior to purchase.
“All consumer products must comply with the labeling and packaging requirements of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, especially with respect
to their exact weight and correct price tag. Before buying a pre-packed product, consumers must double-check its weight in order for them to get the right value for their
hard-earned money,” DTI’s Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua says.
The DTI received complaints from consumers regarding discrepancies on weight and price of pre-packed fresh products from two (2) supermarkets. The concerned
consumers reported that the validated weight and price of the pre-packed products did not match what was stated on their price tags.
DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) then acted on the said complaints and conducted sample testing of some pre-packed products from the said two (2)
supermarkets. Upon investigation, it was proven that the weight of the products did not agree with the weight indicated on their price tags. Hence, DTI-FTEB issued Show Cause Orders (SCOs) to the establishments for the alleged violation of price tag requirements, in pursuance of the Republic Act 7394.
One supermarket explained in its official statement that the tested products like fresh vegetables were weighed, packed and tagged on the day it was displayed on the shelves. It further explained that the packed products on display could have lost their moisture content per day, which caused the discrepancy in weight and price. The same supermarket requested a meeting with the DTI to discuss and address this concern.
Undersecretary Atty. Pascua assures the buying public that the DTI continues to monitor the compliance of establishments with the Fair Trade Laws (FTLs) to further
protect consumers and stop unscrupulous businessmen or retailers from providing incorrect PLTK establishments on wrong PLTK.
Establishments found to have violated the price tag requirements under RA No.7394 will be levied with an imposable fine of up to P50,000.00 as per DTI Department Administrative Order No. 06, series of 2007.
PET is a DTI flagship project that aims to intensify the implementation of FTLs nationwide to further safeguard the life, safety, health of the public, especially the consumers.
To report establishments selling goods with incorrect measure and price tags, call DTI Direct at 751.3330 or send an email to fteb@dti.gov.ph.