Envi group urges Mayor Erap to enforce plastic bags ban in Manila

A man picks up garbage washed ashore at Manila Bay on July 29, 2017 after Typhoon Nesat hit the Philippines. (Photo from AFP)

An environmental group on Wednesday urged Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to enforce the “dormant” plastic bag ban ordinance of the city.

This is following media reports showing staff dumping trash in Manila Bay as part of a publicity stunt for a cleanup drive led by Estrada.

“Almost five years have lapsed since Mayor Estrada’s predecessor signed City Ordinance 8282 and Manila is still wallowing in plastic garbage due to its lack of enforcement. The ordinance is sadly gathering dust,” Daniel Alejandre of EcoWaste Coalition said in a statement.

Alejandre was referring to City Ordinance 8282 signed by former Mayor Alfredo Lim on Sept. 3, 2012. The ordinance prohibits the use of plastic bags for dry goods and regulates the use of bags for wet goods.

“The unbridled sale, use and disposal of plastic bags in Manila is evident everywhere and we could not help but wonder why Ordinance 8282 was not implemented at all,” Alejandre said, adding that plastic bags continue to litter streets and esteros and “ultimately pollute Manila Bay.”

EcoWaste pointed out that some plastic bags contain lead in amounts “way above the permissible limit under the European Union (EU) Packaging Directive.”

Under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2013-024, also known as the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds, the use of lead in food and beverage packaging is prohibited.

EcoWaste also pointed out that plastic bags, which are mostly made from petroleum, contributes to climate change and the “ever growing throw-away culture.”

It hopes that Congress will come up with a national measure banning plastic bags. /atm