FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENAIE;, 
S,B. No. 
l03 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Solid waste has remained the most visible and dangerous environmental 
problem of the country, Plastic wastes constitute a substantial portion, by weight and 
volume, of the Philippines' sordid solid waste strellm, 
Plastics are essentially non-biodegradable, It takes more than 100 years to 
dissolve them and thus, it pollutes the air and water, depletes natural resources and 
damages natural habitat. And recycling plastic is more expensive as compared to glass 
or metal materials because their sorting step or recycling phase is labor intensive and 
difficult. 
As plastics play an increaSing role in packaging and popularising consumer 
products, they also take up a growing percentage of solid waste environmental 
challenge, 
This legislation mandates that all department stores, malls, and commercial 
establishments shall use and utilize reusable ecologically-friendly bags and shall 
replace the existing plastic shopping bags they give to customers and patrons, 
It is a simple approach to huge plastic wastes we generate, But solving the 
country's garbage problem has a lot to do with lifestyle. And this bill is submitted as a 
commitment that every individual must participate and must be responsible in resolving 
the problem. And preserve Mother Earth, 
Early cognizance of this bill is earnestly sought. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENAll 
S.B. No. 
03 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING SOUND WASTE MANAGEMENT BY REQUIRING ALL DEPARTMENT 
STORES, MALLS, AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO UTILIZE REUSABLE 
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY SHOPPING BAGS AND PROVIDE THEM FREE OF 
CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS AND PATRONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to solve the· country's complex waste 
problem. The right to health and right to environment of the people are accorded 
premier considerations. 
To this end, a simple waste garbage solution approach combining citizen 
discipline and responsible corporate management is adopted. 
SECTION 2. All department stores, malls, and commercial establishments are 
hereby mandated to use and utilize reusable and environment-friendly shopping bags 
within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
This Act covers all department stores, malls, and retail establishments with three 
(3) or more stores, sales offices or branches nationwide or those with capitalization of 
more than five million pesos (Php 5,000,000.00), whichever is appropriate. 
Three years after the effectivity of this Act, the use of reusable and environment 
friendly shopping bags is hereby mandated in all commercial establishments and shall 
be mandated as a requirement of registering or operating a business or commercial 
endeavour. 
SECTION 3. All department stores, malls and commercial establishments are 
given freedom to choose and autonomy to adopt designs, specifications and materials 
taking into consideration ecological factors and solution to waste management. The 
reusable environment-friendly shopping bags shall be given for free and without charge 
to patrons, customers, clients and shoppers. 
The department stores, malls and commercial establishments are encouraged to 
adopt marketing, promotions and programs that will promote implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 4. Violations of this Act shall be imposed a penalty of revocation of 
license or permit to operate a business and a fine of not less than one hundred 
thousand pesos (Php 100,000.00). Fines collected as penalties shall be constituted as a 
special environment fund that will be used to disseminate information geared towards 
the protection of Mother Earth. 


• 
If the offender is a corporation, partnership, association or other juridical entity, 
the penalty shall be imposed on the officer or officers of said corporation, partnership, 
association or'juridical entity who caused the violation. 
SECTION 5. The Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources in consultation with all concerned stakeholders 
from the private sectors shall issue the necessary rules and regulations of this Act within 
sixty (60) days after effectivity of this Act. 
The DTI and DENR shall make themselves available for consultation free of 
charge on the adoption and utilization of reusable and environment-friendly shopping 
bags. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations which 
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or 
repealed accordingly. 
SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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