“Walang Barya”? DTI Reminds Public Giving Exact Change Is Law
A post has gone viral for encouraging riders to shortchange customers.
(SPOT.ph) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a reminder to the public to provide exact change in transactions. This is after a viral Facebook post from a delivery rider encouraging people to withhold small amounts of change from customers using the cash-on-delivery (COD) method.
The now-deleted post included a picture of a fast-food meal alongside a caption urging riders to lie about not having coins for change. He framed the “life hack” as a way to save up for themselves: “Kapag ang sukli na lang ay P30 pababa, sabihin mo wala kang barya, kahit meron naman talaga. Walang imposible, basta minsan magiging masama ka din.”
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“Walang sukli” is no excuse under No Shortchanging Act
Short-changing customers—intentionally or otherwise—is a direct violation of the Republic Act 10909 or the No Shortchanging Act of 2016, which protects consumers against “deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices.”
“It shall be the duty of the business establishment to give the exact change to the consumer without waiting for the consumer to ask for the same,” it said in Section 4 of the Republic Act 10909.
DTI Director for Consumer Protection and Advocacy Cherryl Carbonell clarified that the law extends to informal businesses, including ride-hailing and delivery services.
“Dapat eksakto ’yung sukli mo. So bawal din na magbigay ka ng ibang uri ng sukli gaya ng candy,” Carbonell told Unang Balita. “[Delivery riders] ay type of informal business. Ito ay sakop ng No Shortchanging Act.”
Non-compliance with the No Shortchanging Act carries the following penalties:
- First offense: A fine of P500 or 3% of the gross sales of the business establishment on the day of the violation, whichever is higher.
- Second offense: A fine of P5,000 or 5% of the gross sales on the day of the violation, whichever is higher.
- Third offense: A fine of P15,000 or 7% of the gross sales on the day of the violation, whichever is higher, plus a three-month suspension of the establishment's license to operate.
- Fourth offense: A fine of P25,000 or 10% of the gross sales on the day of the violation, whichever is higher and the revocation of the establishment's license to operate.
To report erring businesses or riders, contact DTI at 1-384 or 0917-834-3330.
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