Candy change

Q. S.E. Cobile of Maasin City writes: "The long-time practice of the big grocery stores here is to use candy as loose change. Complaints have been aired but to no avail. The usual retort of cashiers (under the instruction of the store operators) is: ‘Make your purchase elsewhere if you do not want candy change.’

"Obviously, this is immoral, if not illegal, inasmuch as the candy given is valued at its selling price and is, therefore, a forced purchase. The transaction is deceitful.

"To my mind, operating a store is a form of public service. It is incumbent upon the proprietors to keep/secure an adequate, if not an excess, supply of loose coins for the purpose.

"Kindly inform us what the DTI’s stand is on the matter."

A. Refuse the candy and insist on loose change. Under Section 49 of the amended Bangko Sentral Act ( Republic 7653), only notes and coins issued by the Bangko Sentral are considered as Philippine currency and legal tender in the Philippines. Candies have never been considered legal tender in the Philippines.

Section 52 of RA 7653 also states: "All notes and coins issued by the Bangko Sentral shall be fully guaranteed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and shall be legal tender in the Philippines for all debts, both public and private. Unless otherwise fixed by the Monetary Board, coins shall be legal tender in amounts not exceeding P50 for denominations of 25 centavos and above; and in amount not exceeding P20 for denominations of 10 centavos or less."

If the grocery store you do business with continues to be uncooperative, file a formal complaint against the grocery store with the DTI office nearest you and copy furnish the Bangko Sentral.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI-Domestic Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. You may also call us at our consumer hotlines 896-5740 or 890-4938. Our e-mail address is www.e-reklamo.net.ph)