Zubiri vows to support measures banning single-use plastics

Pimentel urges Filipinos to reconsider plastic use

A “dead whale” on the shores of Naic, Cavite. The prototype was created to send a strong message to the public about the detrimental effects of water pollution on sea creatures. Photo courtesy of Vince Cinches/ Greenpeace Philippines.

By Meanne Corvera
Eagle News Service

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday, June 7, vowed to back a measure that will seek to ban the use of single-use plastics in the country.

Zubiri made the statement following reports  the Philippines was one of the major sources of plastic that ends up in  the oceans and waterways.

Among those he said he wished to ban were the plastics used in shampoo, toothpaste and coffee products.

“It’s about time we pass a law on the banning of single-use  plastic sachets ba  na ginagamit. Hindi sapat yung ordinances dahil marami pa rin ang nagtatapon ng plastic lalo na sa ocean. Nakakatakot yung streets of plastic all over the coastal area na nagdudulot na ng water pollution sa ating mundo,” he said.

Senator Koko Pimentel, for his part, urged Filipinos to reconsider the use of plastic, including single-use plastic bags.

“I understand the convenience and economics of plastic use. However, we should never let short-term benefits doom us in the long term,” he said.