Market authorities in Lapu-Lapu City have launched a crackdown on dishonest vendors ahead of the busy Christmas shopping season, confiscating four tampered weighing scales that were cheating consumers.
Market Inspection Reveals Widespread Scale Tampering
During recent inspections at the Lapu-Lapu City Public Market in Barangay Poblacion, officials discovered several vendors using defective or manipulated weighing equipment. Four tampered scales were confiscated in two separate inspection operations conducted on November 24 and November 26, 2025.
Market Administrator Ma. Elena Caballes revealed in a Wednesday interview that three of the offending vendors operated in the fish section, while one was from the meat section. The inspections confirmed that vendors had been using deliberately altered scales to overcharge customers.
Viral Complaint Triggers Increased Vigilance
The recent crackdown came after a viral video surfaced showing a customer complaining about being shortchanged through manipulated weighing scales. This public exposure prompted market officials to intensify their monitoring efforts.
Three defective scales were seized during the first inspection on November 24, followed by another scale confiscated during the November 26 inspection. All confiscated equipment remains in market custody and will not be returned for use.
Daily Inspections Implemented for Holiday Season
In response to the findings, market officials are significantly ramping up their inspection schedule. Instead of conducting checks only three times per week, daily random inspections will now be implemented at the main Public Market in Poblacion and its satellite markets.
This enhanced monitoring strategy aims to prevent fraudulent practices as consumer traffic increases dramatically during the December holiday shopping period. Caballes emphasized that the daily random inspections will help protect consumers during the peak shopping season.
Under City Ordinance, first-time offenders caught intentionally manipulating scales face a P500 fine, while those found guilty of deliberate or fraudulent scale tampering may also face imprisonment.
Market Administrator Caballes has warned shoppers to remain vigilant and cautious about potential scale tampering schemes. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious practices to market authorities immediately.
