Bawal na mga plastic sa Muntinlupa

By Miko Morelos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—The Muntinlupa city government has reminded residents and business owners that the grace period of a ban on the use of plastics, Styrofoam and other nonbiodegradable materials within the city would end by 2011.

The prohibition on the use of plastics, as provided by a piece of legislation signed into law by Mayor Aldrin San Pedro early this year, will begin on January 18, according to the ordinance.

“Plastic bags, Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials clog our drainage, creeks and rivers,” he said in a statement.

The ordinance allowed a one year transition period for business owners and residents to find alternative packaging for goods like woven materials, paper and cloth bags, among other things.

Businesses selling various kinds of produce in Muntinlupa are banned from using plastic bags in packing both dry and wet goods, while restaurants and eateries are barred from placing food in Styrofoam containers. They are likewise not allowed to use disposable Styrofoam and plastic wares in their places of business.

Violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second and P2,500 for the third, while imprisonment will be decided upon by the court. The city government may also opt for the suspension or cancellation of the business’ license to operate.

The city’s environment office has been tasked to look for alternatives to replace plastic bags.

San Pedro cited that green bags could be fashioned out of water lilies which usually come from the Laguna de Bay. He promised to put up livelihood centers where these bags could be made and distributed within the city.

Bawal na  mga plastic sa Muntinlupa. Haha.