Makati City to ban use of plastic bags by June 20

Makati City will be joining Marikina City and seven other Metro Manila cities in having a ban on plastic bags. Makati's ban is to take effect on June 20. In a report aired on GMA 7's “24 Oras”, it was pointed out that Marikina banned the use of plastic bags by groceries, small shops and wet markets in November of 2012 as it was seen as a major cause of flooding. The gravity of the problem became evident in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy lashed Metro Manila. Marikina's Environment Officer Gloria Buenaventura explained that plastic bags in themselves were not the problem. “Every time na magfa-flood, laging tinatangal – plastic,” said  Buenaventura, “Ang plastic kasi, hindi sya masama. Ang masama yung nagdi-discard... yung gumagamit.” Though Makati's flooding problem is not as serious as that of Marikina, Makati will still totally ban the use of plastic bags by June. Like Marikina, wet markets, groceries and stores will be prohibited from using plastic. Violations will carry a fine of P1000 and a possible 30-day jail term. — DVM, GMA News