MANILA, Philippines — Civil society groups sent notices to the National Solid Waste Management Commission and government agencies that they may face a suit for failing to address the country’s plastic pollution problem. The organizations led by marine conservation group Oceana said this was the first step in compelling the commission and representatives of its member-agencies to implement Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The groups believe it is time to interpose and take the necessary action on this issue,” Ramos, an environmental lawyer, added. According to a 2015 study by non-profit Ocean Conservancy, the Philippines produced 2.7 million metric tons of plastic wastes. A report by Global Alliance for Incinerators Alternatives released in 2019 showed the Filipinos throw around 164 million pieces of sachets, 57 million shopping bags, and 45.2 million pieces of labo bags every day.

Source: Philippine Star June 29, 2021 01:07 UTC