Lapu-Lapu defers discussion of "biodegradable" measure

CEBU, Philippines - Over three months of "dissecting" the proposed ordinance that will regulate the use and sale of plastics and styrofoam packaging materials and institutionalize the use of biodegradable containers, the 11th Lapu-Lapu City council will take up the measure in the 12th council after election.

Drafted by Councilor Alexander Gestopa, the ordinance “intends to control the use of plastic and Styrofoam packaging materials…and provide as substitute…native bags and other forms of biodegradable containers.”

But Vice Mayor Mario Amores, the council presiding officer, suggested to the body that the ordinance needs to be deferred and be tackled in the next 12th council.

"This is a very sensitive ordinance. If you decide to go on this ordinance, there will be a series of public hearings," Amores said, adding that come election period and campaign the candidates could no longer concentrate on the measure.

Amores said if the council pushed through with the ordinance, there will be a possibility that it will affect them and might lose votes.

"Everybody is affected by this ordinance," Amores said.

Under the proposed ordinance, Gestopa wants “to institutionalize the use of biodegradable containers such as paper or cloth bags, buyot (native bag), bukag (native baskets made from woven bamboo strips), buri bags, carton boxes, non-plastic sacks or bags, and other reusable shopping bags, except plastic sando bags.”

If approved, it will apply to “all persons, whether natural or juridical; commercial establishments such as shopping malls, department stores, markets, restaurants, and other eateries.”

Likewise the ordinance also covers “cinema houses, grocery stores, sari-sari stores, hospitals and clinics, schools, churches, public and private offices, plants, factories, repair shops, warehouses, food processing plants, and other similar institutions and establishments.” – Garry B. Lao   (FREEMAN NEWS)