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Exact Change Is Indeed Coming

When you buy something from a store and the cashier or the store owner owes you a few cents, would you take the change given in the form of a candy? To some, a few cents are not that big of a deal, but shortchanging is considered a violation of the law. Perhaps you have also encountered a cashier from a business establishment asking you for a smaller bill, some will immediately search their pockets for some loose coins while others will give the cashier a questioning glance?

If you are in a hurry, you will simply leave an impression of indifference, take the change available to the cashier and forget about the missing cents. Customers who do not have the luxury of time to argue will not be too concerned with getting the exact change. However, with the Republic Act 10909 gaining traction in the Philippine law, shortchanging should be a big no-no. 

No Shortchanging Act

The law will not exempt establishments lacking loose coins or bills. Exact change must be given to the customer. There are also conditions when establishments are encouraged to provide excess change to ensure that the change given to the customer is not less than the amount due. Other alternatives such as giving candies will not be allowed in exchange to loose change. The amount may be small, but this should not be a reason for the customers to allow managers and staff to be spared from giving the exact change regardless of the amount.

The Penalties

If establishments fail to give the exact change to customers, a fine of P500 will be imposed for the first offense. For the second violation, there will be a suspension of business' license for 3 months and an additional fine of P25,000 will be imposed. For the third offense, the license to operate will be revoked and an additional fine of P25,000 will be imposed. The law applies to big and small establishments, even sari-sari stores. In case you purchase something, make sure you demand for exact change.

Pinoy Attorney

Written by : Pinoy Attorney

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