Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE PRODUCTION, IMPORTATION, SALE, PROVISION, AND USE 
OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines faces a growing environmental crisis due to the excessive use of single-
use plastics, which are major contributors to the country's plastic waste problem. According to a 
2020 report by the Ocean Conservancy, the Philippines is the third-largest contributor to ocean 
plastic pollution worldwide, releasing approximately 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste into 
the ocean each year. This immense plastic waste harms marine ecosystems, endangers wildlife, 
and ultimately impacts industries that depend on healthy oceans, such as fishing and tourism. 
From an economic perspective, the widespread use of single-use plastics creates 
significant waste management challenges. Municipalities struggle to cope with the mounting 
volume of plastic waste, resulting in increased costs for waste collection, disposal, and recycling. 
The financial burden is felt not only by local governments but also by businesses and consumers, 
as the cost of managing plastic waste is passed down the supply chain, ultimately affecting prices 
of goods and services. 
Health-wise, single-use plastics contribute to pollution that can end up in the food chain. 
Marine animals often ingest plastic debris, and when humans consume seafood, they risk 
ingesting microplastics, which have been linked to a range of health problems. The long-term 
exposure to chemicals in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates, has been associated with 
hormonal disruptions, increased cancer risks, and other serious health issues, making the need to 
reduce plastic use critical to safeguarding public health. 
January 13, 2025
5:30 pm
11271


Banning single-use plastics would not only reduce environmental and health risks but 
also open new economic opportunities. The shift toward sustainable alternatives would stimulate 
the growth of green industries, such as biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly product 
manufacturing. By implementing such a ban, the Philippines could enhance its global standing as 
a responsible environmental leader while promoting sustainable economic development, creating 
jobs, and protecting its natural resources for future generations. 
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
PROHIBITING THE PRODUCTION, IMPORTATION, SALE, PROVISION, AND USE 
OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 "Single-Use Plastic Ban Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of policy. - It is the declared 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. 3. Definition of terms. - For purposes of this Act: 
(a) Single-use Plastics refer to disposable plastics, which are used only once before they are
thrown away or recycled. The term includes, but shall not be limited to, disposable
plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and food and non-food plastic
packaging materials.
(b) Covered establishment refers to:
11271


i. an establishment or cluster of establishments engaged in the production, manufacturing 
and importation of single-use plastic materials; or  
ii. an establishment or cluster of establishments engaged in the commerce or sales of 
goods or services including, but not limited to: market stores, shopping mall outlets, 
supermarkets, department stores, groceries, convenience stores, food chains, restaurants, 
cafes, bars and sari-sari stores. 
 
(c) Department refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 
 
(d) Operator refers to a person or group of persons in control of the ownership and daily 
operation of a covered establishment and which may include, but not limited to, the 
owner thereof. 
 
SEC. 4. Ban on single-use plastics. - Within a period of five (5) years from the effectivity of 
this Act, single-use plastics shall be gradually phased out. Thereafter, production, importation, 
sale, distribution, provision or use of such plastic materials shall be prohibited and shall subject 
the person(s) or the covered establishment(s), as well as its operator, concerned to penalties. 
 
SEC. 5. Phaseout of the use of single-use plastics in MSMEs.- During the interim period of 
five (5) years, wherein the gradual phaseout of single-use plastics shall take effect, the state, 
through the Department of Trade and Industry, will provide an optional subsidy program for 
MSMEs to assist in the shift from: 
 
(a) single-use plastic bags; 
(b) single-use plastic food and non-food packaging materials or containers, soda and water 
bottles; and 
(c) single-use plastic utensils, such as straws, coffee stirrers, spoon and fork 
 
The implementing rules and regulations shall specify further the amount of the subsidy, during 
the interim period, for the transition from single-use plastic items and materials, including those 
which are not mentioned in this Act. 
 
Non-enforcement of these charges for the purchase and use of single-use plastics in covered 
establishments shall be meted with penalties to be imposed against the responsible person(s) and 
covered establishment(s), including its operator. 
 
SEC. 6. Transition of the single-use plastic industry. - Manufacturers of single use plastics shall 
be mandated to transition from the production and distribution of single-use plastic products to 
biodegradable, sustainable alternatives with the aid of Department of Science and Technology-


Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development 
(PCIEERD). 
 
SEC. 7. Lead agency. - The Department, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be the primary 
government agency that will be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act. 
SEC. 8. Linkage mechanism. - The Department, in coordination with the Department of Trade 
and Industry (DTI) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), shall 
consult, and enter into an agreement with concerned government agencies, local government 
units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (POs) and/ or private 
enterprises in furtherance of the objectives of this Act. 
 
The PCIEERD will ensure research efforts to help current producers of single-use plastics 
transition to producing new materials that are more biodegradable and sustainable and ensure 
their industrial and market viability. The Deparment of Labor and Employment will ensure the 
jobs security of workers during this transition period for the manufacturers. 
 
SEC. 9. Role of Local Govermnent Units (LGUs). - In the effort to ensure strict enforcement of 
this Act, the LGUs shall have the primary responsibility to implement its provisions within their 
respective territorial jurisdictions. 
 
In connection with this duty, the LGUs may enjoin the participation of other concerned 
government agencies, private organizations and industries. 
 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in coordination with the National Ecology 
Center (NEC), shall provide the LGUs with technical assistance, trainings and continuing 
capability-building programs to attain the objectives of this Act. 
 
SEC. 10. Penalty for violation of Section 4. - The violation of Section 4 of this Act shall be 
penalized in the following manner: 
 
(a) A fine not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) for the first offense; 
 
(b) A fine of more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not 48 exceeding 
Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00) for the second offense; 
 
(c) A fine of more than Two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00) but not exceeding 
Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) for the third offense; and 
 


(d) A fine of more than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) but not exceeding seven 
hundred fifty thousand pesos (P750,000.00) and automatic revocation of its business 
permit for the fourth offense. 
 
Fines shall be imposed based on the capitalization of manufacturers and covered establishments. 
For this purpose, the Department shall establish such classification ofcovered establishments. 
 
For purposes of the imposition of appropriate fines hereof, the Department shall establish 
classification of covered establishments based on their capitalization. Any fine collected pursuant 
to this section shall be allocated as follows: 
 
a) 80% to the barangay where the establishment is located, in order to augment its waste 
management capability; and 
 
b) 20% to the national government. 
 
SEC. 11. Administrative action. - Without prejudice to the right of any person to file an 
administrative action, the Department shall, on its own instance or upon verified complaint by 
any person, institute administrative proceedings in the proper forum against any natural or 
juridical person who violates this Act with respect to: 
 
(a) Standards and limitations provided by this Act; or 
(b) Such order, rule or regulation issued by the Department with respect to such standard or 
limitation. 
 
SEC. 12. Independence of action. - The filing of an administrative suit against such person or 
entity does not preclude the right of any other person to file any criminal or civil action. 
 
SEC. 13. Enforcement. - The enforcement of penal provisions of this Act shall be made 
through the Department, in coordination with the Office of the Mayor of the LGU concerned. 
 
SEC. 14. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - The Joint Congressional Oversight 
Committee created under Section 60 of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the 
"Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000," shall likewise monitor the implementation 
of this Act and review the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Department. 
 
SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DENR, in coordination with the DTI, the 
DOST, the DOLE, the NSWMC, other relevant government agencies and concerned non 
governmental organizations (NGOs) or people's organizations (POs) or private enterprises, shall 


within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the implementing rules and 
regulations (IRR) governing this Act. 
 
SEC. 16. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be 
charged against the current year's appropriations of the concerned agencies. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the operation and maintenance of this Act shall be 
included in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 17. Separability clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act or part thereof is 
declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts hereof not affected shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
 
SEC. 18. Repealing clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 19. Effectivity clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,