NEDA pushes phaseout of single-use plastic

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the phaseout of singleuse plastics and investments to improve waste management with the country's total daily waste projected to rise to 194,138 metric tons by 2055.

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

In a statement, the NEDA said it is pushing for legislation to further phase out single-use plastics including House Bill 26 or Unnecessary Plastic Products Regulation and HB 4102 or the Excise Tax on Single-Use Plastic Bags.

HB 26 seeks to impose a ban on the production, importation, sale, provision and use of single-use plastics to curb the growing problem of plastic pollution in the country.

Meanwhile, HB 4102 seeks to impose an excise tax of P100 for every kilogram of single-use plastics removed from the place of production or released from custody of the Bureau of Customs.

NEDA is pushing these measures as the country's total waste is expected to increase as the economy advances towards upper-middle-income status.