FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
S.B. I8 0 2 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
ExDlanatorv 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 stream. 
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 popnlarising 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. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING SOUND WASTE MANAGEMENT BY REQUIRING ALL 
DEPARTMENT STORES, MALLS, AM) COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS 
PROVIDE THEM FREE OF CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS AND PATRONS, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
TO UTILIZE REUSABLE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY SHOPPING BAGS AND 
Be it enacted bv the Senate and House of Representatives in Conmess of the 
Philivvines assembled: 
SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to solve the country's complex waste 
The right to health and right to environment of the people are accorded 
problem. 
premier considerations. 
To this end, 
a simple wastdgarbage 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 ofices 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 ofthis 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-iZendly 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. 
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 
SECTION 4. 


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 kom 
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. 
SECTION6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation, whichever 
comes earlier. 
Approved,