Consumers can better demand for sufficient change from establishments now that Republic Act 10909 or the No Shortchanging Act lapsed into law last July 21, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.
Sen. Bam sponsored the measure penalizing establishments that shortchange consumers in the 16th Congress, during his term as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
In his sponsorship speech, Sen. Bam said the Act aims to promote a culture of decency, integrity, and professionalism among Filipino businesses.
By giving consumers what they are due, down to the last centavo, Sen. Bam said it breeds the values of precision and fairness that should permeate through all Filipino businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Naniniwala tayo na madadala at mapakikinabangan ng mga negosyanteng Pilipino ang kasanayang ito kapag lumaki at lumago ang kanilang negosyo,” Sen. Bam said.
The bill penalizes first-time violators with a 500-peso fine while the second offense will warrant a three-month suspension of the establishment’s license to operate along with a fine of 15,000 pesos.
The third violation will result in the revocation of the establishment’s license to operate and a fine of 25,000 pesos.
However, the law allows establishments to give more than the exact change, if situation calls for it.
With its passage, Sen. Bam now has 16 laws to his name, including the Philippine Competition Act, Go Negosyo Act, Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, Lemon Law, Microfinance NGOs Act, Youth Entrepreneurship Act and Credit Surety Act.
As chairman of the Committee on Youth in the 16th Congress, Sen. Bam co-authored and co-sponsored the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act, the first law in the country with an anti-political dynasty provision.
In addition, Sen. Bam authored or co-authored other laws, such as the Act Authorizing Punong Barangay to Administer Oath of any Government Official, Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Election Service Reform Act, Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, Tax Relief for PWDs Act, Closed Caption Broadcasting for Television Act and the law establishing the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
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