Ban on use of plastic straws, stirrers in Iloilo City pushed

Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda has filed a proposed ordinance that seeks to ban plastic straws and stirrers in Iloilo City.

The use of plastic straws and stirrers, Baronda said, contribute to the destruction of the environment.

The proposed measure covers not only coffee shops and restaurants but all business establishments in the metropolis.

Baronda wants to replace plastic straws and stirrers, which are non-biodegradable materials, with “environment-friendly alternatives.”

“Let’s replace them with ones made of bamboo, metal or paper,” she said.

According to baronda, her proposed measure would reduce the volume of dumped plastics that clog up waterways and drainage systems in the city.

Violators, under the proposed ordinance, will face a fine ranging from P500 to P1000.

Erring establishments will be penalized with a fine of P1,500 for the first offense. For the second offense, a fine of P3,000 and suspension of business permit/operation at the discretion of the court will be imposed, and P5,000 fine and cancellation of business permit for the third offense.

The proposed ordinance is currently with the committee on public services, environment protection and ecology of the City Council.

A committee hearing on the proposal will be held on Sept. 5.

In July last year, the city government started the full implementation of Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-403 that prohibits the use of plastic bags.

The ordinance covers “sari-sari (variety) stores, market vendors, hawkers or bolanteros, supermarkets, department stores/malls, groceries or restaurants, canteens, fast-food chains, bakeries, coffee shops, hotels, catering services, and other similar establishments.”

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times

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