According to reports made by Malacañang, President Rodrigo Duterte is currently considering a nationwide ban on the use of plastic. Spokesman Salvador Panelo mentioned that the president made such a remark during a cabinet meeting last November 6. “The President floated the idea to ban the use of plastics, which according to him would require legislative action,” said Panelo in a statement.
(Is it Possible to Ban Single-Use Plastics in the Philippines?)
However, details of the supposed plastic ban have yet to be ironed out. According to sources present at the cabinet meeting, the president has yet to decide on a viable alternative for single-use plastics. The options of biodegradable plastic and biodegradable paper were brought up.
There are currently a number of bills in Congress which outline a ban on single-use plastics throughout the entire country. Senators Cynthia Villar and Francis Pangilinan have both filed their own versions of a measure aiming to ban food establishments, stores, markets, and retailers from using single-use plastics.
(Senator Kiko Pangilinan Files Bill Seeking Ban of Single-use Plastics in PH)
The topic of single-use plastics has been at the forefront of the public’s concerns due to its immense harm on the environment. In 2015, the Philippines was named the 3rd biggest source of plastic in the ocean.
Do you think the Philippines should implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastics?
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