Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CREATION OF "THE PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING ACT OF 
2022" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This piece of legislation seeks to reduce or minimize the use of plastic bags which destroy the 
environment. This Act shall be known as "The Plastic Bag Recycling Act of 2022." 
What's wrong with plastic bags? Plastic bags are seen as a symbol of a wasteful society as they 
are a form of packaging that is often not essential. 
Plastic bags are a problem for various reasons. Plastic carryout bags and film plastic are not 
biodegradable. The bags break down into smaller and smaller toxic bits that contaminate soil and 
waterways. 
Many efforts are being made around the world to combat this problem and reduce the use of these 
bags. As a single-use disposable form of packaging, plastic bags are typically used for a short 
period but take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. Plastic bags are an extremely visible 
and unsightly component of litter. If plastic bags continue to be used, the number of bags littering 
the environment will increase over time. 
Salient provisions of this proposal require that retailers establish an at-store recycling program and 
offer reusable bags (such as canvas or cloth). 
This representation further finds and determines that we must reduce the use of plastic bags and 
encourage the use of reusable bags to reduce and decrease litter and benefit the environment. 
The proposed recycling program furthers and favors programs that maximize material reuse and 
recycling and programs that use energy-efficient recycling processes. 
More so, it is 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. 
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
August 23, 2022
2:27 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CREATION OF "THE PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING ACT OF 
2022" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines of Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "The Plastic Bag Recycling Act of 2022." 
SECTION 2. State Policy. – It is the policy of the State to protect and advance the rights of the 
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.  
SECTION 3. Purpose. – To encourage the use of reusable bags amongst consumers and retailers 
and reduce the consumption of single-use bags, and require an at-store recycling program for 
plastic bags. 
SECTION 4. Objective. – To determine and implement programs that maximize material reuse, 
and recycling and programs that use energy-efficient processes. 
SECTION 5. Coverage. – A retail establishment that provides plastic carryout bags to its 
customers as a result of the sale of consumer goods. 
SECTION 6. At-Store Recycling Program. – The operator of a store shall establish an at-store 
recycling program under the provisions of this Act that provides an opportunity for the public to 
return to the store plastic carryout bags from a retail store or any other retail source.  
SECTION 7. Penalties. – Any operator who violates any provision of this article shall be punished 
by a fine not to exceed P100,000.00 for a first offense; by a fine not to exceed P150,000 for a 
second offense, and by a fine not to exceed P200,000 for a third and each subsequent offense 
committed in any twelve months. Each day that an operator fails to comply with this article shall 
constitute a separate and distinct violation. 
SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR) together with the stakeholders and other related government agencies 
and entities shall promulgate the rules and regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate for 
the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, a 
presidential proclamation, rules, regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act, are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 10. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, 
the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof. 
 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,