The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has filed formal charges against four business owners in Pangasinan for alleged violations of fair trade laws.

Seven other businesses received notices of violation, while four were issued show cause orders, according to the DTI in Pangasinan.

DTI said a notice of violation is issued when inspectors find possible breaches during monitoring and enforcement operations. Business owners are given a chance to explain before further action is taken.

“Once we received the response of the firm na naisyuhan ng notice of violation, wini-weigh natin ’yung response. We issue a formal charge kung hindi convincing ’yung kaniyang explanation,” Natalia Basto-Dalaten, DTI-Pangasinan director, said.

The agency also issues show cause orders to businesses conducting promotional activities without the required permit. Those who fail to justify the violation may also face formal charges.

Since January 2026, DTI has inspected 456 business firms in Pangasinan. Of these, 52 establishments in Dagupan, Mangaldan and Calasiao were monitored on February 24 alone.

Despite the enforcement actions, DTI said the overall compliance rate remains high at 98 percent. However, some firms were found violating standards laws, accreditation requirements and sales promotion regulations under the Consumer Act.

“Ibig sabihin ’yung mga produkto na kanilang binibenta, ang tawag natin diyan uncertified. Hindi siya dumaan sa Philippine National Standard’s lab test,” Basto-Dalaten said.

DTI estimates that about 23,000 sole proprietorship businesses operate in Pangasinan, excluding corporations, all of which are subject to monitoring.

The agency said its operations aim to protect consumers and ensure fair trade practices.

“All naman ng panuntunan ng DTI ay sinusunod namin dito, sir,” Rochel Dela Cruz, a store administrative assistant, said.

Welda Montemayor, a consumer, urged buyers to stay vigilant.

“Bago ka pupunta sa establishment kung saan ka bibili, nagka-conduct ka muna ng research kung ’yung establishment na ’yan is credible siya,” she said.

DTI conducts monitoring activities weekly and called on businesses to comply with fair trade laws and act responsibly, while advising consumers to remain cautious when purchasing products.