Stores in Talisay defy "plastic" law

CEBU, Philippines - Although the Talisay City council has already approved the Anti-plastic Bag Law, shopping centers are still using plastic bags.

The council last February approved the Anti-Plastic Bag Ordinance, which supposedly bans the use of plastic bags in all of the city's stores.

But stores, even the shopping mall in barangay Tabunok, have continued to defy the ordinance.

“The implementation of the ordinance is now with the executive department. Ang council igo ra mopasar sa balaud,” said ordinance author Councilor Rodi Cabigas.

The approved ordinance became a full-fledged law after it was signed by Mayor Socrates Fernandez last month.

The purpose of the law, according to Cabigas, is to minimize if not eradicate the plastic waste which is seen to contribute to the clogging of the drainage system, which leads to flooding. 

Cabigas said it is also the city’s way to help in the global effort to protect the environment.

Under the law, in lieu of plastic bags, stores can use “green bags” or paper bags, as used several years back, the legislator said.