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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session,

499
House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROBERT ACE S. BARBERS

AN ACT
BANNING THE PRODUCTION AND USAGE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS
NATIONWIDE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Plastic is not inherently bad as it has generated significant benefits for society from
the time of its invention. Unfortunately, the innovation of plastic into a single-use
commodity transformed this invention into a global challenge.

Several reports showed that Philippines is among the top contributors of discarded
plastic that ends up in the ocean. The country produces billions of plastics a year including
single-use sachet which has become the industry standard. It ends up polluting the ocean
and doing irreparable harm to wildlife.

Single-use products have been banned in several countries according to the
United Nations report. Thus, it is high time for the Philippines to join this growing
movement across the world. It should not be forgotten that it is the responsibility of today’s
generation to preserve the rhythm and harmony of nature for the full enjoyment of a
balanced and healthful ecology, as duty mandated by our Constitution and by various
laws.

Thus, this bill moves to impose ban on the production and usage of single-use
plastic products by all establishments nationwide. It also encourages consumers to use
reusable materials, while all single-use plastics already in circulation shall be collected,
recycled, and properly disposed of as provided under Republic Act No. 9003 or the
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. It likewise praVided appropriate penalties for
violators thereof.

Through this measure, saving the environma)t for future
the impact of plastic waste pollution, is likely possible.

generation, by reducing

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bills earnestly sought.

HON. ROBEMT ACE S. BARBERS
2™ Disfrict, Surigao del Norte


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROBERT ACE S. BARBERS

AN ACT
BANNING THE PRODUCTION AND USAGE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS.
NATIONWIDE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

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

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

SECTION 2. Prohibition. - The ban on single-use plastic products by all business
enterprises to consumers shall be in full force and in effect one year from the effectivity
of this Act.

In the interim period (within 1 year), the following shall be enforced:

a. The provision of single-use plastic in all establishments shall be strictly
prohibited;

b. Consumers shall be encouragedidiverted to use reusable materials in
substitution for single-use plastics;

c. Single-use plastic products already manufactured and in circulation shall be
collected, recycled, and properly disposed of by the manufacturers and the
local government units;

At the end of the 1-year period, and upon full effectivity of this Act, the further and
continued provision by all business enterprises and use by consumers of single-use
plastics shall be strictly prohibited.

SECTION 3. Recycling of used single-use plastics. - Used single-use plastic
products, those manufactured or used before this Act's effectivity, shall be recycled.

It shall be the duty of all plastic manufacturers and local government units to
collect, recycle, and dispose the said single-use plastics in a manner consistent with
existing laws, rules, and regulations, and ensuring that no harmful chemicals or
‘substances are released to the environment.


SECTION 4. Proper disposal and management of plastic wastes. — The disposal
and management of plastic waste shall be done in accordance with the provisions of
Republic Act 9003.

SECTION 5. Efforts fo mitigate the negative effects of the Act on plastic
‘manufacturers and their workers. - To avoid exterminating an industry behind thousands
of jobs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is hereby tasked with
assisting plastic manufacturers in researching on single-use plastic alternatives and
acquiring the appropriate technology needed for the manufacture of such products.

Manufacturers of alternative products shall be given incentives provided for under
the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise, the
Omnibus Investment Code of 1987 or the Green Jobs Act of 2016, where applicable. The
Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Trade and
Industry, in coordination with the Department of Finance, shall provide technical and
financial assistance to these manufacturers.

Local Government Units are encouraged and shall be allowed to provide additional
benefits and incentives to these manufacturers within their jurisdiction, consistent with
existing laws, rules, and regulations, which shall be in addition to the benefits and
incentives provided for in the previous paragraph

SEC. 6. Penalties. - Any violation of this Act shall be imposed the following
penalties:
a. Individuals caught using single-use plastic products shall be penalized as
follows:
i. First Offense - A fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00);
ii. Second Offense - A fine of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00);
il, Third Offense - A fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and
imprisonment of not less than six (6) months.

b. For Business Enterprises, the following penalties shall be imposed:
i. First Offense - A fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00);
ii. Second Offense - A fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and
suspension of its business permit for three (3) months;
iii. Third Offense - A fine of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) and
the suspension of their Business Permit for a period of One (1) year and
imprisonment of not less than two (2) years.

c. For Plastic Manufacturer found violating this Act, the following penalties shall
be imposed:
i. First Offense - A fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00);
li. Second Offense - A fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00)
and suspension of Business Permit for three (3) months;


ili, Third Offense - A fine of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00)
and imprisonment of not less than two (2) years. The said business permit
shall be cancelled.

If the offender in subparagraph (b) or (c) of this Section is a corporation, trust or
firm, partnership, association or any other entity, the penalty shall be imposed on the
entity's responsible officers including, but not limited to, the president, chief executive
officer, general manager, managing director or partner directly responsible thereof.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the
Department of Trade and Industry shall within 60 days, promulgate the implementing
ules and regulations of this Act, following a consultation with consumer groups, plastic
producers and other affected groups. Such implementing rules and regulations shall be
‘submitted to Congress for approval.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. — All law, executive orders, rules and regulations or
any part hereof inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional and invalid, such declaration shall not invalidate other parts thereof
which shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its, together
with its implementing rules and regulations, complete publication in the Official Gazette
or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.