Regulatory Body Verifies Mandaue Markets: Prices and Weighing Scales Found to Meet Standards
The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted an inspection in Mandaue City, as part of its regular price monitoring initiatives. The focus of the inspection was on verifying the calibration of "Timbangan ng Bayan" weighing scales and monitoring prices of essential products such as rice, canned goods, instant noodles, and other grocery items.
The inspection aimed to ensure that consumers are protected and that fair trade practices are upheld in local markets. Atty. Regino Mallari, the Officer-in-Charge of the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, led the market inspection on August 14, 2025. The activity was conducted in coordination with the Mandaue City Government.
During the inspection, both the Mandaue City Public Market and Colonnade Supermarket passed the compliance checks. The weighing scales were found to be properly calibrated, and the prices of the inspected goods were priced within the approved suggested retail price (SRP) range. No specific issues or violations were mentioned as being found during the inspection.
The FTEB enforces a regulatory regime centered on mandatory accreditation, regular monitoring, verified calibration of measuring tools, transparent pricing, and compliance with consumer protection laws. Businesses operating without necessary accreditation or those failing calibration compliance risk administrative sanctions, including fines, suspension, or closure.
Accreditation and licensing are crucial for service firms operating in the Philippines. To secure accreditation from the FTEB, businesses must submit documents, undergo audits, and have their equipment and tools checked for availability and functionality, including calibration accuracy where relevant. The FTEB conducts onsite monitoring and inspections to verify compliance, checking pricing practices, calibration, and the proper functioning of measuring devices used in local markets, repair shops, and other service sectors.
Businesses must also adhere to consumer protection requirements, such as issuing official receipts, clearly displaying prices, complying with refund, replacement, or repair policies, and adhering to regulated warranty periods for repair work and products. The Consumer Act of the Philippines mandates accreditation of relevant firms to guarantee reliability, and certificates of accreditation can be suspended or revoked after due process if a business violates pricing, calibration, or other consumer protection standards.
In conclusion, the FTEB's inspection in Mandaue City serves as a reminder of its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fair trade practices in local markets across the Philippines. Consumers can be assured of getting the correct weight for their purchases and affordable prices for most grocery items.
- The Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) works closely with various industries, such as retail, to ensure that businesses follow the regulations set by the government, particularly in areas like pricing, calibration, and consumer protection.
- To ensure smooth operations in the finance sector and beyond, businesses are required to submit necessary documents for accreditation to the FTEB, undergo audits, and comply with consumer protection laws, which may include fines, suspensions, or even closures for non-compliance.
