Bill against non-biodegradable bags approved

Bill against non-biodegradable bags approved

By BEN R. ROSARIO

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill restricting the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in supermarkets, department stores, and similar commercial establishments.

Authored by Representatives Oscar Malapitan (NP, Caloocan City) and Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP Party-list), House Bill (HB) 4840 drew bipartisan support when presented for third and final reading recently.

Malapitan and Mendoza said the bill imposes a three-year ultimatum on the use of plastic bags, which are being blamed for floods and other environmental dangers in the country.

Mendoza said biodegradable plastic bags are those that decompose by 60 percent within two years of use without leaving significant harmful residues, while non-biodegradable plastic bags are the widely used material which hardly decomposes even after decades and which has been identified as the primary reason for flooding due to clogged drains.

He said about 50 percent of floating waste on water is plastic that ends up clogging drain pipes or smothering turtles and killing birds and fish that mistake plastic as food.

“This is criminal!” said Mendoza.

Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Ecology, lauded his colleagues for strongly supporting the measure, considered a priority of the House panel.

The lawmaker cited the case of Los Baños wherein total ban of plastic bags and Styrofoam containers is being implemented and where residents are enjoined to promote the “Bring Own Bag” program, and encourage use of woven bags (bayong), cloth bags (katsa), paper bags, and other reusable materials.

“If it can be done in a small town, then it can be done anywhere,” stressed Mendoza.

Malapitan disclosed that a number of pro-environment firms have started developing biodegradable plastic bags.