APALIT - The municipal legislative body here is pushing for the passage of an ordinance banning the use of plastics by the commercial establishments in town.
Councilor Sanny Mendoza introduced ordinance no. 1 series of 2013-2014 to be known as "The plastic bag regulation" prohibiting the use and distribution of single use, carry out bags and polystyrene (styrofoams, styropor) and at the same prescribing penalties for its violation.
Mendoza in his proposal cited relevant provisions of Section 458 of Republic Act 7160 which empowered the Sangguniang Bayan to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment including such activities which result in pollution, acceleration or eutrophication of rivers and lakes or ecological imbalance.
To further strengthen the basis of the proposed ordinance, it was noted that under the law, the local government units share with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction.
The business establishments or any concerned individual are prohibited from selling plastics, polystyrene foam and other similar materials as containers for food, produce and other products.
If the approved, violators will be penalized according to the frequency of violation including P1,000 (first offense), P3,000 (second offense) and P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months depending upon the discretion of the court, and in the case of commercial establishments - cancellation of license to operate for a period of one year.
No comments:
Post a Comment