t

WO bills filed in the House of Representatives seek to ban single-use plastics.

One of the measures, House bill (HB) 1038, was filed by Bagong Henerasyon Rep. bernadette Herrera on July 4.

“by implementing a national policy against the use of single-use plastics, the state shall ensure the protection of its environment, prioritize the safety of its citizens, and promote sustainable development across all sectors,” Herrera said in the bill’s explanatory note.

If the measure is passed into law, a nationwide ban on singleuse plastics will be implemented within a year upon its effectivity.

Schools, supermarkets, shops, hotels, establishments, government offices and industries will implement the ban.

A transition program that includes replacement of single-use plastics to “eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives” as an objective will be carried out.

“Existing single-use plastics of companies and industries under this Act shall be declared and shall be recycled accordingly,” the bill states.

The penalties in the bill cover: establishments’ use of singleuse plastics “after the given time period and outside” declared data[ companies’ production of single-use plastics after the given time period[ and importation of single-use plastics by companies.

Hb Q248, on the other hand, was filed by Pangasinan Fifth District Rep. Ramon Guico Jr.

Under Hb Q248, the transition from single-use plastics will be gradually implemented within 10 years.

“Single-use plastics from companies or industries already in circulation prior to the ban shall be declared and recycled accordingly,” Hb Q248 states.

The bill penalizes establishments who will resort to single-use plastics after the transition period, the production of single-use plastics after the transition period, and the importation of single-use plastics.