Ban on use of plastic straw, stirrer urged in Senate
A lawmaker wants the food service sector to prohibit the use of plastic straws and stirrers.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday (July 6) filed a proposed legislation entitled “The Plastic Straw and Stirrer Ban of 2018” which mandates establishments to employ a “no plastic straw and stirrer” policy.
The bill seeks to fine violators P50,000 for first offense; P80,000 for the second offense; and P150,000 plus one-year suspension of business permit for the third offense.
Meanwhile, several environmental groups want a total ban not only on straws and stirrers but all plastic containers. However, many were apprehensive of the proposal taking into consideration the interest of consumers.
Among them is Senate Committee on Economic Affairs chair, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian who said, “Ang kapalit ng plastic bags ay paper bags,at ang raw material ng paper bags ay puno. Doon tayo ngayon nagkakaroon ng isyu at papayagan pa ba natin putol ng puno or mag-iimport tayo? Pero kapag nag-import tayo, alam naman natin mahal rin.”
Based on the data acquired by the National Solid Waste Management Commission, more than 40,000 tonnes of waste materials are being collected daily across Philippines, with the largest volume collected in the National Capital Region (NCR). Most of the domestic waste, commonly plastic items, are collected in Manila Bay. – Nel Maribojoc / Marje Pelayo
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