Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

692
HOUSE BILLNO.__

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

There is great need to address plastic pollution for our environment and for future
generations. According to reports, the Philippines is the world's third largest source of plastic
pollution. Plastics leach toxic materials into our groundwater, flowing downstream into lakes
and rivers. Ocean pollution arising from plastic debris is choking our waterways and
worsening our environmental problems.

Single-use plastic products is a big contributor to pollution. Plastic bags, straws, coffee
stirrers, water bottles, and sachets are just some of the examples of the products used by
Filipinos only once and then thrown away. These materials can remain in the environment
for 2,000 years or more.

This bill seeks to ban single-use products and to encourage manufacturers and consumers
to use more sustainable and environmental-riendly products. Providing strong BS

1 2016 Report Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House BILL No. 8692

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

“AN ACT BANNING THE MANUFACTURE, IMPORTATION, SALE, AND USE OF
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES.”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Ban on Single-Use Plastic
Products”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is State policy to protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature. Furthermore, it is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of
the people and instill health consciousness among them.

In this light, the State recognizes the need to institute mechanisms to prevent pollution and
promote a healthier environment through appropriate policies, such as waste management,
reduction of waste materials at source, and encouraging use of sustainable products that will
help curb plastic pollution.

SEC. 3. Scope. - This act applies to the manufacture, importation, sale, and use of all single
use plastics in trade or commerce in business enterprises, as well as by retailers in the
Philippines.

SEC. 4. Single-use plastic - refers to disposable plastics products which are commonly used
for packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away
or recycled. This include, but are not limited to, items such as grocery bags, food packaging
containers and bags, water bottles, straws, stirrers, styrofoam, cups, sachets, and plastic
cutlery.

‘SEC. 5. Prohibition and Phase-out of Single-Use Plastic Products - The manufacture, sale,
importation, and use of single-use plastic products shall be prohibited within one (1) year
after the effectivity of this Act.


SEC 6. Phase-out Plan for Single Use Plastic Products. - A plan to phase out single-use
plastic products shall be formulated within three (3) months upon the effectivity of this Act by
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with cooperation of
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government
(DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Science and Technology, and other
concerned agencies of the government.

The phase out plan shall cover the following:

1. Prohibition of single-use plastics by food establishments, retail stores, markets,
supermarkets and groceries during the interim period;

2. Awareness-raising to encourage consumers to use reusable materials in substitution
for single-use plastics, and to encourage proper recycling of plastic products;

3. Collection, recycling, and proper disposal by the manufacturers of single-use plastic
products already in circulation prior to the effectivity of the ban;

4, Establishment of recycling centers in local government units

SEC 7. Prohibition on the importation of single-use plastics - Within one (1) year from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Finance, through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in
coordination with relevant agencies, shall ensure that no single-use plastics will be imported
to the country.

SEC 8. Recycling of used single-use plastics - It shall be the duty of the plastic
manufacturers to properly collect and recycle the single-use plastics they produced that are
already in circulation prior to the effectivity of the ban, in the manner that is consistent with
existing laws, rules, and regulations and using mechanism to ensure that no harmful
chemicals or substances are released to the environment.

SEC. 9. Compliance Monitoring - The DENR, DTI, in coordination with LGUs, shall conduct
regular inspection and monitoring of business enterprises and facilities of manufacturers to
‘ensure that they are compliant with the provisions of this Act.

The LGUs shall issue certification to manufacturers and business establishments who have
complied with the provisions of this Act. The certification of compliance shall be necessary
for the renewal of local business permits of manufacturers and business establishments.

SEC. 10. Penalties - The following penalties shall be imposed for violations of the provisions
of Sections 5, 7, and 8.

First offense -  Afine of Fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00)

Second offense - A fine of One thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00) and the
suspension of business permit for one year.

Third offense - A fine of Two hundred thousand pesos (Php 200,000.00) and


the cancellation of its business permit. Thereafter, the business
establishment, manufacturer, or business enterprise shall not
be eligible to apply for business permit for a period of five (5)
years and approval of business permit is contingent with proof
of measures undertaken to comply with this Act and other
relevant laws, rules and regulations.

If the offender is a corporation, trust, or firm, partnership, association or any other entity, the
penalty shall be imposed on the entity's responsible officers, such as but not limited to, the
president, chief executive officer, general manager, managing director, or partner directly
responsible thereof.

SEC. 11. Responsibilities of the Local Government Units - To promote the implementation of
this Act, the LGUs shall be responsible for the following:

1. Improve the capacity of LGUs and local law enforcement agencies for the
implementation of this Act;

2. Establish recycling centers and encourage the establishment of business enterprises
that promote zero-waste;

3. Conduct information and awareness-raising campaigns on single-use plastic
regulation;

SEC 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of
Interior and Local Government, and other concerned government agencies shall issue the
implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

‘SEC. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall
be included in the budget of concerned government agencies in the General Appropriations
Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

The LGU shall allocate necessary funding from their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) to
cover the programs under this Act.

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any provision or section of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions and sections not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.

SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, or issuances,
or any part thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.