DTI warns retailers against shortchanging

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry — Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) warns retailers to refrain from any form of shortchanging to promote fair treatment and protect the general welfare of consumers.

DTI-CPO provincial director Nelia Navarro who has experienced the prohibited practice herself from a vendor advised all establishments to stop shortchanging which is still observed at present despite the warning of the trade department.

Shortchanging happens when vendors give less change than what is due in a transaction, telling their customers that they do not have coins available.

For instance, Navarro cited, the most common form of shortchanging is giving candies to buyers as change instead of money.

“Shortchanging is illegal but it is still rampant. There is no shortage of coins. The Central Bank has not even confirmed such,” she said.

To promote the strict enforcement of discouraging retailers from shortchanging their customers, DTI-CPO shall officially launch an advisory on shortchanging at SM City CEBU Cyberzone on October 31.

The trade department shall also organize seminars and workshops to increase the awareness of consumers and retailers when it comes to standards.

This is also part of the annual celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this October in accordance to the Presidential Proclamation No. 1098.

For this year, the Department of Health (DOH) is the lead government agency of the 16th celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month.

In the same month, the trade department shall celebrate the 39th National Standards Week from October 8 to 14 with the theme “International Standards Ensure Positive Change.” This is in cognizant with the World Standards Day on the 14th of October. /JOB