Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HousE BILLNO._2947

Introduced by Representative Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Philippines is drowning in waste.

Despite the passage of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
2000, the country continues to generate over 60,000 metric tons of waste daily, much of which ends

up in rivers, oceans, and overflowing landfills. The problem is not only one of volume, but of

accountability and sustainability. While consumers are often blamed, producers and businesses play

an equally critical role in the life cycle of waste, and yet remain largely unaccountable.

‘This bill secks to strengthen RA 9003 by introducing the National Waste Reduction and Reuse

‘Act, a bold step toward making every business responsible for the waste they create through

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - not just large corporations, but all enterprises,

regardless of size or industry.

Under this measure, all businesses will be mandated to recover, reuse, or recycle their post-consumer
packaging waste. In addition, the bill sets clear standards for sustainable packaging, including the
transition to reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials, a necessary shift as the country

grapples with an escalating plastic crisis.

Importantly, this proposed legislation does not just regulate - it ineentivizes. It offers tax benefits
and financing access for businesses that embrace circular practices, green innovation, and packaging
reform. This empowers entrepreneurs and MSMEs to lead in sustainable transformation rather than be

left behind.


The time for half-measures is over. Waste is not simply an environmental concem—it is a public
health threat, an economic burden, and a generational injustice. We owe it to future Filipinos to act

now, not with promises, but with policy.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

Kathi  Gorriceta, M.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no._2947 _

Introduced by Representative Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta, M.D.

AN ACT STRENGTHENING WASTE REDUCTION AND REUSE IN THE PHILIPPINES
‘THROUGH MANDATORY EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL
BUSINESSES, SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING STANDARDS, AND INCENTIVES FOR
CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES, 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 "Enhanced National Waste Reduction
and Reuse Act of 2025."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to protect the environment and public
health by reducing solid waste at the source, promoting reuse, and enforcing the principle of extended
producer responsibility (EPR) in all industries.

SECTION 3. Coverage. This Act shall apply to all businesses, including micro, small, medium, and
large enterprises, that manufacture, distribute, or sell products using plastic, paper, metal, or multi-
layer packaging.

SECTION 4. Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). All enterprises must establish
or participate in EPR programs that ensure the collection, recovery, reuse, or recycling of their post-
consumer packaging. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall issue
tiered EPR compliance standards based on business size and product type.

SECTION 5. Sustainable Packaging Standards. Within three (3) years of the effectivity of this Act:

‘© All product packaging must be reusable, compostable, or recyclable.


© Single-use plastics and non-biodegradable packaging shall be phased out, unless exempted
under DENR guidelines,

SECTION 6. Tax Incentives for Circular Businesses. Enterprises engaged in waste reduction
innovation, reuse systems, composting, and circular product design shall be eligible for:

© Tax credits equivalent to 15% of expenses related to sustainable packaging or waste
reduction programs;

© Priority access to government green financing and procurement programs.

SECTION 7. Monitoring and Enforcement.
‘© The DENR shall develop an EPR Registry and audit system for all covered entities.
‘© Non-compliant businesses may face fines ranging from PS0,000 to P3 million, depending

on violation severity and frequency.

SECTION 8, Information Campaign. The DENR and DTI shall lead a nationwide education
‘campaign on proper segregation, reuse, and business EPR responsibilities.

SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DENR, in consultation with the DTI,
DOF, and civil society, shall issue the IRR within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 10. Funding. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 12. Efectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of generat circulation.

Approved,