Bill on single-use plastics ban likely to get priority

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte would likely certify as priority legislation a measure seeking to ban single-use plastics in order to ensure its passage into law, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Sunday.

Panelo pointed out that Mr. Duterte himself floated the idea of a ban on single-use plastics in a Cabinet meeting to protect the environment and curb the effects of climate change.

“Since the President supports it, it will not be surprising if he does [certify the bill],” Panelo said in an interview over dzIQ.

There are two pending measures seeking to ban single-use plastic in the Senate, filed by Sen. Cynthia Villar and Sen. Francis Pangilinan.

In 2015, a report on plastic pollution ranked the Philippines as the third biggest source of plastics found polluting oceans.