Legislators file bill regulating single-use plastics in BARMM

COTABATO CITY ― To address the growing environmental concerns about single-use plastics, some Bangsamoro legislators are championing a measure aimed at regulating the distribution and usage of these disposable materials within the region.

The BTA Bill No. 248, or the BARMM Single-Use Plastic Regulation Act of 2023, proposes the regulation of the distribution and usage of single-use products by collecting fees, prohibiting their use in natural and protected areas, and providing incentives.

The bill encourages collaboration with local government units, businesses, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and reduce the negative impacts of these plastics on the environment. Single-use plastics have been identified as having adverse environmental effects, including pollution of water bodies, soil deterioration, and harm to wildlife by ingestion and entanglement.

Member of Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil, one of the principal authors of the bill, emphasized that improper disposal of single-use plastics contributes to the degradation of forests, parks, zoos, and other protected areas within the region.

Single-use plastic materials are intended to be used only once before being disposed of, including grocery bags, food packaging films and bags, bottles, straws, containers, styrofoam, cups, sachets, and cutlery.

MP Rasol Mitmug Jr., another author of the bill, emphasized that reducing the use of single-use plastics will not only lead to a decrease in waste production but also open the door for the use of indigenous materials, providing alternative income opportunities for residents.

The proposed regulations outlined in BTA Bill No. 248 will apply to all individuals, stores, point-of-sale areas, food establishments, and businesses operating within the BARMM. Businesses, including food and beverage establishments, department stores, pharmacies, and medicine shops, will be subject to a P10 fee for each single-use plastic item.

Under the bill, all individuals, stores, point-of-sale areas, food establishments, and other businesses within the BARMM will be required to comply with the proposed measures. Commercial and business establishments, including those dealing in food and beverages, department shops, pharmacies, and medicine stores, would be charged a P10 charge for each single-use plastic.

The bill prohibits the use of single-use plastic materials in forests, parks, zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, and other natural and protected areas within the BARMM. To ensure that the public is informed about these prohibitions and to promote sustainable practices, signs and educational materials will be displayed in these areas.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness and education campaigns, the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), will actively engage in activities promoting and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic materials once the bill is enacted.

The efforts will also be implemented in schools, public areas, and through other media channels. 

MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, and Rasul Ismael are co-authors of the bill. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)