AMMENDMENTS to the law regulating the use of plastics is being pursued in Baguio City.
Councilor Mylen Yaranon said the law on distribution and use of plastic carry/shopping bags and styrofoam in the city needs to be updated to ensure there is no need for interpretation when the words of the law is clear and to effectively implement the law.
Yaranon said the changes aims to add straws, plastic spoons and forks, and plastic bottles.
She said this should also include free paper bags after some groceries charge their costumer for the use of it.
The changes in the ordinance include a provision that states all businesses should provide or make available to customers free paper bags or for a reasonable cost, reusable bags or containers made of paper or materials that are biodegradable, for the purpose of carrying out goods or other items from the point of sale.
The amendment was co-authored and backed by Councilor Joel Alangsab.
The law also aims to include the use of plastic utensils, which is now proposed to be prohibited.
It stated that "no business will provide to any customer any plastic bag, plastic straw, plastic stirrer, plastic utensil or polystyrene foam container for goods or items sold or served for food or drink, take out or dine in, to customers in polystyrene or plastic or containers."
Yaranon said the law must be clear and unambiguous and must not leave room for vagueness that would lead to numerous interpretations.