NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2209
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23 MAY 17 R2S4
Rr.CEiVlD 3V
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING ALL RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, INNS, FASTFOOD, CENTERS, 
EATERIES AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF 
DRINKING PLASTIC STRAWS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR 
VIOLATION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
"Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution mandates that 'the 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.'
Plastic pollution, particularly from single-use items like plastic drinking straws, 
poses a considerable challenge to our constitutional right to a balanced and healthful 
ecology. These plastic straws, being non-biodegradable, persist in the environment 
for centuries, causing significant harm to diverse species and human health. 
However, we are not without alternatives. Readily available options such as metal, 
paper, or bamboo straws offer sustainable alternatives to plastic straws. Having 
other choices besides plastic straws makes it both possible and urgent for us to 
make a change. This switch to greener options is an important move we could make 
now to ensure a sustainable future.
The proposed 'Plastic Straws Ban Act' is a legislative measure requiring us to 
reassess our consumption patterns and to align them more closely with the 
principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. This bill mandates all


food and hospitality establishments, encompassing restaurants, hotels, inns, fast 
food centers, and eateries, to eliminate the use of plastic drinking straws. This 
measure targets an ample reduction of the nation's plastic footprint, reflecting a 
concerted effort to align everyday practices with the constitutional commitment to 
safeguard, our environment. Further, the bill provides penalties to serve as a 
deterrent against non-compliance, while the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources (DEN)R Is entrusted with the responsibility to develop the implementing 
rules and regulations, in order to foster effective implementation of the legislative 
measure.
The proposed legislation not only advances the constitutional right to a 
balanced and healthful ecology but also marks a significant stride in the national 
journey towards sustainable development.
Hence, I seek the swift approval of this measure.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 2209
^niarE:
23 MAY 17 R2 55
av.
1
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING ALL RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, INNS, FASTFOOD, CENTERS, 
EATERIES AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF 
DRINKING PLASTIC STRAWS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR 
VIOLATION
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 "Plastic Straws Ban
2 Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to protect
4 
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
5 
with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
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Sec. 3. Ban. - It is hereby banned the use of drinking plastic straws at all
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restaurants, hotels, inns, fastfood centers, eateries, and similar establishments and
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violations thereof shall be meted appropriate fines or penalties as a competent court
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may prescribe.
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Sec. 4. Appropriation. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment and
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Natural Resources shall immediately include in the agency's program the
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operationalization of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the General
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Appropriations Act on the year of its enactment and every year thereafter.


1 
Sec. 5. Implementation. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment
2 
and Natural Resources shall issue rules and regulations that may be necessary to
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carry out the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the
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Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,