President Duterte is likely to certify as urgent a bill imposing a ban on single-use plastic products in the country to ensure its swift passage in Congress.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President has expressed support for the plastic ban to curb pollution and save the environment during a recent Cabinet meeting.
“The President has floated that idea. It’s for the members of Congress to adopt it, use their initiative to have that kind of idea bear fruition,” Panelo said.
Asked if the President will certify the bill as urgent, Panelo said: “Tingnan natin kung mayroon ng miyembro ng Kongreso o Senado na magpa-usad ng ideya. Dahil suportado na ni Presidente, di hindi kata-taka.”
The President made the pitch for plastic ban days after he and other Southeast Asian leaders committed to step up efforts to combat marine debris pollution during a summit in Thailand. The leaders have recognized that marine debris remained a global concern and that regional collaboration must be intensified to curb ocean pollution.
At present, two bills seeking to ban single-use plastic are pending in the Senate. The measures have been filed by Senators Francis Pangilinan and Cynthia Villar, following reports that the Philippines has become the world’s third largest producer of plastic wastes that pollute the oceans.
Pending the passage of the plastic ban measure, the Palace meantime has called for the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The law, which sets guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through recycling and environment-friendly disposal, aims to ensure the protection of public health and environment. (Genalyn Kabiling)