QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11706)
It requires all provincial, city, and municipal governments to establish accessible “Timbangan ng Bayan Centers” in all public and private markets, including supermarkets, and when practicable in flea markets/tiangges and grocery stores within their respective localities.
They must have the necessary instruments for determining weights and measures. These instruments must be available free of charge to all persons who need to confirm the accuracy of the quantity or measurements of products purchased or about to be purchased.
The marker supervisor is in charge of the safekeeping and routine maintenance of the Timbangan ng Bayan instruments and must maintain a record of every product found to be deficient in quantity or substandard in dimension, including the establishment and proprietor/manager names.
The prohibited acts under Article 64 of the Consumer Act shall likewise apply to Timbangan ng Bayan instruments.
Article 64(h): for any person to fraudulently alter, tamper, vandalize, or destroy any scale, balance, Timbangan ng Bayan instrument, weight, or measure after it is officially sealed.
It covers markets as public places/buildings/structures where goods or articles of commerce are offered for sale, including (a) flea markets/tiangges, (b) grocery stores, and (c) supermarkets.
Flea market/tiangge: temporary market where goods/food products are sold. Grocery store: retail shop primarily sells food and household items in a specific community. Supermarket: larger market where shoppers serve themselves using baskets/pushcarts and pay at the exit.
The Department of Trade and Industry must provide assistance nationwide. Priority is accorded to provinces, cities, and municipalities belonging to fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-income classifications.
Within ninety (90) days from effectivity, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Trade and Industry must promulgate the implementing rules and regulations.
The IRR must be promulgated in coordination with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), League of Provinces, League of Cities, League of Municipalities, and other relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
The amount necessary shall be charged against the national tax allotment and other funds of the local government unit concerned.
Upon conviction, fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P300,000 or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than five (5) years, or both, at the court’s discretion—specifically for violations of paragraphs (a) to (g) and (l) of Article 64 (as referenced in the law).
Upon conviction, fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P300,000 or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than five (5) years, or both at the court’s discretion.
Two (2) successive violations of Article 64 automatically result in the cancellation of the business permit of the erring individual or business establishment (when applicable).
It takes effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
It contains a separability clause: if any part is declared unconstitutional/invalid, that judgment does not affect other provisions, sections, or parts.
All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.