MMDA open to unified policy banning single-use plastics in NCR

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday that it is open to the possibility of implementing a policy that would unify the ban on single-use plastics in the National Capital Region (NCR). 

“Sa Metro Manila po wala pa po, pero may mga ilang cities na po na mayroong mga ordinansa na nagbabawal po mag-single use plastic,” said MMDA chairperson Romando Artes Jr. at the Road to Zero Waste Summit held in Pasig City.

(There’s no single policy yet in Metro Manila, but there are already some cities that're already implementing an ordinance banning single-use plastics.) 

Among them are  Quezon City and Marikina City. 

"Siguro makikipag-coordinate kami sa National Solid Waste Management Commission para makapag-come up ng isang MMC (Metro Manila Council) resolution regarding single-use plastic," said Artes. 

(We will coordinate with the National Solid Waste Management Commission to come up with an MMC resolution regarding single-use plastic.) 

Currently, there are already initiatives in Congress to regulate the use of single-use plastics. 

Bills

The EPR Act took effect in 2022 that is aimed at curtailing plastic waste at the level of producers and manufacturers. 

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda in July 2022 filed a bill regulating the manufacturing, importation and use of single-use products by providing penalties, levies and incentives for industries and consumers. 

Under the proposed measure, the phase-out of single-use plastics by all business enterprises to consumers will be in full force a year after the effectivity of the bill.

The House of Representatives in November 2022 also approved a bill that imposes at least a P100 tax for every kilogram of single-use plastic bags removed from the place of production or released from the Bureau of Customs’ custody. 

—VAL, GMA Integrated News