Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representatives 
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
AN ACT  
REGULATING THE PRODUCTION, IMPORTATION, SALE, 
DISTRIBUTION, PROVISION, USE, RECOVERY, COLLECTION, 
RECYCLING, AND DISPOSAL OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This proposed measure seeks to impose a ban on the production, importation, sale, 
provision and use of single-use plastics in order to curb the growing problem of plastic 
pollution in the country. 
Under Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, “[t]he State shall 
protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with 
the rhythm and harmony of nature.” Pursuant to this constitutional right, one of the declared 
policies under Republic Act No. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 
2000” is that the State shall adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste 
management program which will “utilize environmentally sound methods that maximize the 
utilization of valuable resources and encourage resource conservation and recovery.” 
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, around the world, one 
million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, while up to five trillion plastic bags are used 
worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes 
– used just once and then thrown away.
The Philippines is one of the world's top ten countries that contribute to plastic wastes 
leaking out to the oceans and seas, which aggravate marine pollution. If we want our children 
to enjoy the future where the environment remains healthy, sustainable and abundant, as 
environmental watchdogs, we need to act now and act fast. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is most urgently and earnestly 
recommended. 
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
Representative 
MARINO Party-list 
August 29, 2023
5:11 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representative 
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
AN ACT  
REGULATING THE PRODUCTION, IMPORTATION, SALE, 
DISTRIBUTION, PROVISION, USE, RECOVERY, COLLECTION, 
RECYCLING, AND DISPOSAL OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the ``Single-Use Plastic Regulation 
Act."  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.  -  It 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. Toward this end, the State shall institute mechanisms to prevent pollution and 
promote a healthier environment through appropriate policies, such as reduction of waste 
materials at source, encouraging the use of sustainable products that will help curb plastic 
pollution, and proper waste management.  
SECTION 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to the production, importation, use, disposal, 
and sale of all single-use plastics in trade or commerce, in business enterprises, as well as by 
retailers and consumers, in the Philippines.  
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. - The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: 
a.
Business enterprise - refers to establishments engaged in the production,
manufacturing, processing, repacking, assembly, or sale of goods and/or services,
including service-oriented enterprises. It shall include retailers, self-employed or own-
account workers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and community-based business
enterprises;
b. Consumer - refers to a person who is a purchaser, lessee, recipient, or prospective
purchaser, lessor, or receipt of consumer products, services, or credit;
c.
Container - shall refer to the material which contains and is in direct contact with the
product especially in the cases of liquid products, wet goods, food and beverages, e.g.
bottles, trays, plastic or paper wraps, and laminated cartons.
d. Disposal - refers to the discharge, deposit, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of
waste into or on land or bodies of water;
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e.
Incentives - refers to incentives provided for and as defined in Republic Act No. 9178,
otherwise known as the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise Act of 2002, Republic
Act No. 9501, otherwise known as the Magma Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises, Republic Act No. 10771, otherwise known as the Green Jobs Act of 2016,
Executive Order No. 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987,
or as defined by concerned local government units through legislation specifically for
this purpose, where applicable;
f.
Packaging material - shall refer to any material which may contain but not necessarily
in direct contact with the product especially for purposes of protection, preservation,
handling, transport, and marketability, e.g. cartons, carrier bag, packaging films,
protective foams for electronic products; it shall also refer to any material which acts
as a secondary container to a product, i.e. for purposes of containment but not in direct
contact with the product, i.e. the box which contains a bottle filled with liquid perfume;
g. Plastic - refers to lightweight, resistant, and synthetic material made from wide range
of organic polymers which can be molded into a variety of forms depending on purpose
or utility;
h. Recycling - shall refer to the treatment of used or waste materials through a process of
making them reusable or transforming them into new products or raw materials for the
production of other goods and/or service;
i.
Retailer - refers to a person engaged in the business of selling products directly to
consumers;
j.
Reusable Material - refers to any material specifically designed or manufactured for
multiple usages and shall meet the following conditions:
i.
Capable of composting and is biodegradable;
ii.
Recyclable; and
iii.
Does not contain any toxic or harmful substance or chemical such as but not
limited to lead, cadmium, or any other substance or chemical as provided by
existing rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
k. Single-use plastic- refers to disposable plastic products which are commonly used for
packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away
or recycled. This includes, but are not limited to items such as grocery bags, food
packaging films, containers and bags, water bottles, straws, stirrers, Styrofoam, cups,
sachets, and plastic cutlery;
SECTION 5. Prohibition of Single-Use Plastics and Levy for the Use in the Interim Period. - 
Single-use plastics shall be gradually phased out within the period of three (3) years from the 
effectivity of this Act. Thereafter, the production, sale, distribution, provision or use of single-
use plastics shall be prohibited. Any person or business enterprise shall be subject to penalties 
as provided under this Act.  
In the interim period, the following shall be enforced: 
a.
Prohibition on the production or manufacturing of single-use plastics for circulation in
the general market;
b. Prohibition on the issuance of single-use plastics by food establishment, stores,
markets, and retailers;


c. Diversion of consumers to usage of reusable materials in substitution of single-use 
plastics;  
d. Grant of discounts and/or freebies by business enterprises to consumers using reusable 
bags in substitution of single-use plastics and/or returning used single-use plastics to 
concerned retailers for collection, recycling, and/or disposal;  
e. Collection, recycling, and disposal by manufacturers of single-use plastics 
manufactured and/or in circulation in the general market;  
f. Recycling of unavoidable single-use plastics by manufacturers;  
g. For each piece of single-use plastics already manufactured, in circulation, and for use 
in any transaction, retailers shall charge the consumer a minimum levy of five pesos 
(Php5.oo);  
h. The amount collected in subparagraph (g) of this Section by retailers shall be reflected 
in the official receipt. Twenty percent (20%) of the said amount shall be kept by the 
business enterprise to cover the cost of the single-use plastics, while eighty percent 
(80%) shall be remitted quarterly to the Special Fund created under this Act; 
 
SECTION 6. Prohibition on the Importation of Single-Use Plastics. - Importation of single-
use plastics shall be prohibited upon effectivity of this Act.  
 
SECTION 7. Recycling of Single-Use Plastics. All used single-use plastics as allowed by this 
Act shall be recycled. It shall be the duty of single-use plastic manufacturers to collect, recycle, 
and properly dispose said single-use plastics in a manner consistent with Republic Act No. 
9003 and existing laws, rules and regulations. The minimization or absence of negative 
externalities in the process shall likewise be ensured by the manufacturers.  
 
SECTION 8. Program for Affected Employees and Workers. - Upon effectivity of this Act, 
research and technology development initiatives, pilot-testing of innovations and technologies 
resulting from the studies with the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology 
(DOST), and capacity building activities shall be undertaken with plastic-manufacturing 
industries and business enterprises for them to adopt these technologies.  
 
The DOST, the Department of I.abor and Employment (DOLE), and the Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with the help of I.ocal Government 
Units (LGUs) shall provide capacity building programs, technical assistance, and trainings to 
relevant stakeholders.  
 
 
SECI`ION 9. Shifting to Alternatives - The DOST is tasked to assist local manufacturers in 
developing or acquiring the appropriate technology for the production or manufacture of 
reusable materials or alternatives.  
 
SECTION 10. Incentives for Shifting to Alternatives. - Business enterprises, individuals, 
cooperatives, partnerships, and corporations engaged in the manufacture of identified 
alternatives to single-use plastics shall be given incentives provided for under Republic Act 
No. 9178, otherwise known as the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise Act of 2002, Republic 
Act No. 9501, otherwise known as the Magma Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium 
Enterprises, Republic Act No. 10771, otherwise known as the Green Jobs Act of 20l6, and 
Executive Order No. 226, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987.  
 
 
SECTION 11. Certification, Monitoring, and Inspection. - The Department of Trade and 
Industry (DTI), in coordination with the LGUs and local law enforcement agencies shall 


conduct regular inspection and monitoring business enterprises and facilities of manufacturers 
to determine compliance with this Act.  
 
 
The LGUs concerned, after the conduct of a thorough inspection, shall issue a certificate 
indicating whether or not business enterprises in their jurisdiction are compliant to this Act. 
The certification shall be a requirement for the renewal of local permits.  
 
SECTION 12. Information and Education Campaign - The DENR, in coordination with LGUs, 
the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA), shall conduct public information and education 
campaign on the proper regulation of single-use plastics in the country.  
 
SECTION 13. Penalties and Sanctions -The following penalties shall be imposed for any 
violation of this Act:  
 
1) For Business Enterprises and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as defined in 
Republic Act No. 6977, as amended, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises under 
Republic Act No. 9178, and all other enterprises and establishments not otherwise 
Value Added Tax (VAT)-registered:  
 
a) First Offense -A fine of ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00);  
b) Second Offense - A fine of fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) and suspension of 
business permit for one (1) year; and  
c) Third Offense - A fine of one hundred (Php100,000.00), revocation of business 
permit, and ineligibility for application of business permit for a period of five (5) 
years. 
 
2) For VAT-registered enterprises, establishments, and store, and for all plastic 
manufacturers found violating this Act, the following penalties shall be imposed.  
 
a) First Offense - A fine of one hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00);  
b) Second Offense - A fine of five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) and 
suspension of its business permit for one (1) year; and  
c) Third Offense - A fine of one million pesos (Php1,000,000.00), revocation of 
business permit, and ineligibility for application of business permit for a period of 
five (5) years. 
 
Any further violation of this Act shall perpetually bar the operator from conducting its 
business in the LGU concerned.  
 
Local government officials and officials of government agencies who fail to comply 
with and enforce this Act shall be administratively charged in accordance with Republic Act 
No. 716o and other existing laws, rules, and regulations.  
 
  
SECTION 14. Special Fund. - A special fund for single-use plastic regulation, hereinafter 
referred to as the Fund, to be administered by the DENR, is hereby created to be composed of 
levies, fees and fines collected pursuant to this Act.  
 
 
The fund shall be used exclusively for the following: 
 


a) Capacity-building of LGUs and local law enforcement agencies for the purposes of 
this Act; 
b) Establishment of recycling centers;  
c) Establishment of treatment facilities;  
d) Information and education campaigns relative to Section 11 of this Act;  
e) Assistance and incentives for manufacturers and community-based initiatives for 
the reduction of single-use plastics, as well as for non-government and civil society 
organizations promoting proper solid waste management; 
f) Capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and trainings to relevant 
stakeholders, relative to Section 8 of this Act; and 
g) Additional provisions for the Solid Waste Management Fund under Republic Act 
No. 9003. 
 
The fund may be augmented by donations, endowments, grants and contributions which 
shall be subject to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, amended.  
 
 
SECTION 15. Access to Information and Public Disclosure - The public shall have access to 
records, reports or information concerning the implementation and mandates of this Act, 
provided that the DENR or concerned LGU may consider a record, report, or information or 
portions thereof confidential when such would be of adverse effect to the competitive position 
of a manufacturer, seller, or distributor.  
 
 
SECTION 16. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act 
shall be included in the annual general appropriations of the DENR and other implementing 
agencies under the General Appropriations Act.  
 
 
SECTION 17. Congressional Oversight Committee - The joint Congressional Oversight 
Committee created under Section 60 of Republic Act No. 9003 shall also have the power to 
monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act.  
 
 
SECTION 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DENR, in coordination with the 
DTI, DILG, Climate Change Commission (CCC), and other concerned government agencies 
and representatives of LGUs, shall issue the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations 
within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act.  
 
 
SECTION 19.  Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the 
remainder or any provisions thereof not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.  
 
 
SECTION 20. Repealing Clause. - All acts and decrees, executive orders, implementing rules 
and regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.  
 
 
SECTION 21. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its publication in two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,