Valenzuela councilor seeks to ban plastic bags

MANILA, Philippines - Valenzuela City councilor and barangay league president Alvin Feliciano urged his fellow councilors yesterday to support his proposal for a total ban on the use of plastic bags in local establishments.

Feliciano said proposed ordinance 2010-006 or the Paper Bag Ordinance would “effectively prohibit” the use of plastic bags and other non-biodegradable containers in the city’s markets, eateries, sari-sari stores and other similar establishments.

He said plastic bags do not easily decay and thus end up clogging waterways and causing floods.

Once approved, the use of plastic bags in Valenzuela would be phased out and replaced by “much safer” and environment-friendly paper bags, Feliciano said.

Feliciano suggested that violators be meted the following sanctions: a written notice and warning for a first offense, a fine of up to P5,000 for the second infraction, P5,000 fine and 15 days suspension of business permit for third offense, P5,000 penalty and 30 days suspension of business permit for fourth violation, and revocation of business permit for the fifth offense.

The business permit and licensing office would be tasked to oversee the implementation of the ordinance under the direct supervision of the office of Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian.

Feliciano is appealing to the city council to back up the proposal and “in effect help preserve Mother Nature.”