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416" CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIP!
FIRST REGULAR SESSION)

House of Representatives

HOUSE BILL NO. _434

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE GUS 8. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to prohibit the use of polystyrene food packaging from food service
businesses and operations.

This representation seeks to put an end to the use of ‘styrofoam’ and to encourage
businesses to use recyclable or compostable food containers.

There are currently no meaningful ways of recycling polystyrene based food
packaging and it must be disposed of as garbage hence, said material has limited
usefulness.

Discarded polystyrene persists as litter and remains as such for the longest time
posing as hazard to the environment.

This legislation brings back the good old habit of preparing foods ‘to go’ in
compostable and recyclable alternatives that are available that serve the same
purpose as nonrecyclable food service packaging

Moreso, styrofoam, made from styrene, is a suspected carcinogen and neurotoxin
that was recently limited by the Food and Drug Administration in bottled drinking
water. Studies have indicated that styrene residues are present in 100% of all
human fat tissue in the United States. Several epidemiologic studies suggest there
may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of
leukemia and lymphoma.

Itis in this light that immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



16TH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. ayy

Introduced by HONORABLE GUS S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE USE OF DISPOSABLE POLYSTYRENE FOOD
CONTAINER, DISPOSABLE NONRECYCLABLE PLASTIC FOOD
CONTAINER, AND DISPOSABLE NONRECYCLABLE CONTENT PAPER
CONTAINER , AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

Section 1. State Policy, \t is the policy of the State to protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony

of nature.

Sec.2. Purpose. To encourage the use of compostable and recyclable alternatives

that are available that serve the same purpose as non recyclable food service packaging.

‘Sec.3. Objective. To determine and implement programs that maximize material

reuse and recycling and programs that will prohibit the use of materials that has limited

‘Sec.4. Coverage. This Act prohibits the use of polystyrene food packaging from

food service businesses and operations.

‘Sec.4. Definition of Terms.


a) “Polystyrene food container” means a plastic container comprised of
a majority polystyrene plastic resin that is used to contain pfepared
food designed for one-time use.

b.) _ “Nonrecyclable plastic food container” means a plastic food
container not made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
or high density polyethylene (HDPE).

ro) “Nonreeyclable content paper container” means a food container

containing less than 100 percent consumer recycled paper content.

Sec.5. Penalties, Any business operator who violates any provision of this article
shall be punished by a fine not to exceed P50,000 for a first offense; by a fine not to exceed

P100,000 for a second offense; and by a fine not to exceed P150,000 for a third and each

subsequent offense committed in any twelve-month period. Each day that an busines:

operator fails to comply with this article shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
‘Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) together with the stakeholders and other related government
agencies and entities shall promulgate the rules and regulations as it deems necessary and
appropriate for the implementation and enforcement of any provisions of this Act.

Sec.7, This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.