City praised for law on regulating plastic

CEBU, Philippines – An environmentalist group has lauded Cebu City for the passage of a proposed ordinance which seeks to regulate the use of plastic and other materials detrimental to the environment.

The Global Legal Action for Climate Change acknowledged the measure passed by Councilor Nestor Archival seeking to put an end to the use of non-environmental friendly materials like plastic. 

Lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos of GLACC said that they are happy since local government units are doing their part to protect the environment.

According to her, the ordinance is now on third reading and that they wish to fast track its implementation.

Ramos said that efforts should be started in the national or the provincial government but stressed that it is also important that LGUs would also do their share since they could closely monitor and regulate the laws within their areas of responsibility.

Ramos said they hope more LGUs would follow this example and pass their own ordinances on adaptation and mitigation measures in the hope of padding the destructive effects of climate change.

Aside from this, Ramos said that there are also those who are pushing for anti-smoking regulations in their places which would greatly help in their fight against air pollution.

GLACC is currently undertaking a number of legal actions against municipalities that continue to ignore the group’s call for the protection and management of the environment and its resources. Such actions have gained the support of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

Ramos said that government officials, especially those who are seeking for reelection in next year’s polls, should consider prioritizing environmental concerns as part of their platform.