Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH (16™) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3227

Introduced by: Honorable Ronald V. Singson

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to discourage the use of Plastic Bags in all major grocery stores
and supermarkets by disallowing the distribution of plastic bags and instead imposing a
certain fee for every plastic bag requested by the consumer and prescribing penalties for
violation thereof.

Plastics are manufactured through a chemical called Polystyrene which is not
biodegradable and is not easily recycled because of its light weight. Furthermore, it is
produced using blowing agents which contributes to ozone depletion and on global
warming.

Plastics, according to environmental organizations, are now a_ principal
component of marine debris. Worse, plastics are extremely harmful to wild animals if it
is ingested by them. Another harmful property of plastic materials is its inability to hold
hot food in excess of 70 degrees Celsius.

‘The Asian Development Bank recently warned that the Philippines is especially
vulnerable to global warming. In fact, there already is a serious threat to Southeast
Asia’s families, food supply and financial prosperity. ADB further advised that
Southeast Asian nations should act immediately on climate change before their
economies and people suffer.


Considering the detrimental effects of polystyrene to mankind, it is imperative
that the government enact proper measures to discourage its use in all major grocery
stores and supermarkets in order to cut down significantly the consumption of plastic
bags. It should be replaced with recyclable, environmentally accepted materials for
packaging goods and commodities.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

s Celi ae
ALD V. SINGSON


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH (16) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__ 3227

Introduced by: Honorable Ronald V. Singson

AN ACT
REGULATING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS IN ALL MAJOR GROCERY
STORES AND SUPERMARKETS BY DISALLOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF
FREE OF CHARGE PLASTIC BAGS AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Reduction of Plastic Bags
Act of 2013”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the 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. For this purpose, consumers and retailers in all
commercial establishments are encouraged to use reusable or recyclable grocery bags and
to stop using plastic bags to carry the retail goods which commonly block and clog
sewerage that cause floods which endanger lives and property, and destroy the
ecosystem.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

a. Plastic Bags shall refer to polymer carry bags provided or used in all major grocery
stores and supermarkets to carry and transport retail goods;

b. Commercial Establishments shall refer to the establishments engaged in sale of
goods or services that shall include but not limited to markets, shopping mall
outlets, supermarkets, department stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, sari-sari stores and
the like;

c. Reusable environment-friendly bags shall refer to either a bag made of cloth or
other washable fabric that has handles; or durable plastic bag with handles that is


specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse;

SEC.4. Use of Reusable Bags. all owners of major grocery stores and
supermarkets are encourage to use and utilize environment-friendly shopping bags which
shall be provided free of charge to the consumers and patrons: Provided, however, That
in case any consumer who wants to use the usual plastic bags the consumer shall be
charged Five Pesos (P5.00) per bag regardless of the size in which a portion of the
amount shall be given to the said establishment, and to the respective government units
adopting this practice, most of which will go to the Local Government Units to be used
for their environment protection programs.

Three years after the effectivity of this Act, the use of reusable and environment-
friendly shopping bags is hereby mandated in all major grocery stores and supermarkets
and likewise, a requirement for registration, licensing, or renewal of license to operate a
business and commercial endeavors.

SEC. 5. Phase -out Period. ~ Three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act, all
major grocery stores and supermarkets shall completely phase-out the use of plastic bags,
and shall use only reusable environment-friendly bags.

Sec. 6. Penalty. The owner or operator of the commercial establishment who
violates the provisions of this Act shall pay a fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P100, 000.00) for the first offense, Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200, 000.00) for the
second offense and Three Hundred Thousand pesos (P 300,000.00) and closure of the
establishment for the third offense.

Sec. 7. Implementation. The Department of Trade and Industry in coordination
with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall issue the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec.8. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any provision of this Act or part
thereof is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
other provisions or parts thereof not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec.9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations ot parts
thereof inconsistent with the provision of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

Sec.10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,