Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu said the government is set to issue an order banning single-use plastics all over the country.
“We, DENR, are about to complete department order on banning the use of plastic. I think within the next two weeks siguro,” Cimatu said.
He added that the department order will also deal with recycling plastics.
The Philippines ranks third in the world as highest source of plastic pollution to the ocean.
Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte said he has been planning to ban the use of single-use plastics.
The Environment chief meantime said the Philippines ranked as the third-highest source of ocean plastic pollution with an “2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste.”
Because of this, there is a need for the country to enhance its solid waste management policies, Cimatu said.
“During her presentation, the President floated the idea to ban the use of plastics, which according to him would require legislative action,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a media briefing.
