Pangilinan, Villar seek single-use plastic ban

Bills seeking a ban on single-use plastics were filed by both Senators Francis Pangilinan and Cynthia Villar on Friday.

Senate Bill No. 40 or the Single-Use Plastics Regulation and Management Act of 2019, filed by Pangilinan, proposes to ban the use of all single-use plastics one year after the measure becomes effective, and would penalize those who would not enforce it.

But those who would re-use and recycle would receive incentives.

The bill defines single-use plastics as those disposable plastics which are commonly used for packaging, and includes items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. Among these plastics were grocery bags, food packaging, films and bags, manufacturing water bottles, straws, stirrers, containers, Styrofoam/styros, cups, sachets, and plastic cutlery.

During the one year period after the bill becomes a law, the provision of single-use plastics by food establishments, stores, markets and retailers shall be prohibited; consumers shall be encouraged to use reusable materials; and, single-use plastics in circulation shall be collected, recycled, and properly disposed.

For each piece of single-use plastics already manufactured and in circulation, retailers shall charge the consumer a minimum levy of five pesos. The amount collected will have official receipts. Of the amount, 20 percent shall be kept by the business enterprise, while 80 percent shall be remitted on a regular basis to the Special Plastic Fund to be created under the bill.

For take-aways and the selling of food and beverages, a discount of five pesos shall be given to consumers for bringing their own reusable or recyclable containers.

The importation of single-use plastics would also be prohibited one year from the effectivity of the proposed law.

The bill would also seek funding for research on alternatives to single-use packaging. Business enterprises, individuals, cooperatives, partnerships, and corporations which will engage in the manufacture of alternatives to single-use plastics shall be given incentives.

Those that will not heed the prohibition on the use of single-use plastics will be penalized with fines or cancellation of business permits.

Diverted to reusable materials use

Meanwhile, Senate Bill No. 333 or the Single-Use Plastic Product Regulation Act of 2019, filed by Villar, seeks to regulate the manufacturing, importation, and use of single-use plastic products.

Under the bill, the issuance of the single-use plastics by food establishments, stores, markets, and retailers will be prohibited. Consumers will also be diverted to use reusable materials and manufacturers will be mandated to collect, recycle and dispose of single-use plastics manufactured and/or in circulation in the general market. Importation of single-use plastics will no longer be allowed.

Violation for business enterprises, micro, small and medium enterprises will have penalties ranging from a fine of P10,000 to P100,000 and suspension or revocation of business permit.

For VAT-registered enterprises, establishments, and stores, and for all plastic manufacturers found violating this act, penalties ranging from a fine of P100,000 to P1 million and the suspension or revocation of business permit would be a consequence.

The bill also creates a Special Fund for Single-use Plastic Regulation composed of collected tariffs, levies and fees.

Among others, the fund will be used for the establishment of recycling centers, and assistance and incentives for manufacturers and community-based initiatives for the reduction of single-use plastics, as well as for non-government and civil society organizations promoting proper solid waste management. — DVM, GMA News