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[av_heading heading=’ Give exact change, stores, drivers told’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Sunday, April 2, 2017
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KALIBO, Aklan – Business establishments and service providers such as public transport drivers are not exempted from the law mandating the giving of exact change just because of the non-availability of low-denomination bills or coins, according t o the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Aklan.
Shortchanging or giving less or insufficient change to consumers is prohibited and punishable under Republic Act 10909 (No Shortchanging Act of 2016), said Ma. Carmen I. Ituralde, officer-in-charge of DTI-Aklan.
“Establishments are also required to post notices or signs like ‘Please demand for your exact change’ to remind customers of their rights stipulated in the No Shortchanging Act,” added Ituralde in a recent press conference.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas already assured the public that there is no shortage of coins in the country and that the supply of bills and coins is sufficient to support the activities in the Philippine economy.
“The Act prohibits shortchanging a consumer, even if such change is only of a small amount or even changing in any form other than the present currency such as candies,” Ituralde said.
The law covers all businesses ranging from vendors to corporations and government-owned entities, as well as drivers of public utility vehicles and tricycles.
Under the law, violators will be penalized wit h a fine of P500 or three percent of the gross sales of business establishment on the day of violation, whichever is higher, for the first offense; and P5,000 or five percent of the gross sales for the second offense.
For the third offense, a fine of P15,000 or seven percent of the gross sales and three-month suspension of license to operate of the business will be imposed.
The penalty is P25,000 or 10 percent of the gross sales plus revocation of the License to operate by the appropriate government agency, for the fourth offense.
“Consumers may report to the business establishment’s Consumer Welfare Desk all instances short changing for immediate action or submit a letter of complaint to the DTI not later than 10 working days after a violation has been committed,” said Ituralde.
The No Shortchanging Act of 2016 became effective last Aug. 16, 2016. Its Implementing Rules and Regulations was signed on Dec. 21, 2016 through the Department Administrative Order 16-03 series of 2016.
DTI is the lead enforcer along with other agencies such as the BSP, Bureau of Internal revenue, local government units, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. (PIA Aklan/PN)
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