San Pablo City Says NO to Plastic Bags and Styrofoams, Really?
A couple of weeks ago, the City Solid Waste and Management Office started to enforce Ordinance Number 2009-14. This particular Ordinance prohibits the use of Plastic Bags and Styrofoams in groceries, supermarkets, department stores, shopping centers and malls through out the City. These establishments are only allowed to use bio-degradable or reusable bags and containers like paper bags, native bags or bayong and bags made of cloth or eco-bags. (Source: PIA)
(No To Plastic Bags)
Those found to be violating this particular Ordinance will be fined PHP 1,000 for their first offense, PHP 2,000 for their second offense and PHP 3,000 for their third offense with accompanying jail time of not more than 6 months or cancellation of their "License To Operate" for one whole year. Supermarkets, department stores, malls and food stores have greater fines if found to be violating this Ordinance.
My question is, is this Ordinance for REAL or for SHOW? I'm asking because I went out with my wife to buy a few things and all the stores or shops we bought from all used Plastic Bags to hold our purchases in, even Dunkin Donuts used a small plastic bag to hold the two donuts I bought. If it's for real then how is the local government going to fully enforce this?
There are so many stores and, not to mention the fact that, most business or store owners are somewhat affiliated or related to some big shot local politicians. I honestly don't think this Ordinance is going to be enforced in full but I do see it being enforced selectively with the small store owners suffering much of it. Anyway, I do hope that I am wrong about this one and that it's not just some Green or Eco-Friendly City gimmick.
Our city doesn't need gimmicks or publicity stunts. What we need are industries that will bring-in and will give residents jobs. We have so many shopping centers and banks but most of the people don't have money for them because they're out-of-work or unemployed. Those that do have jobs are not even paid minimum salaries. They just don't complain because it's better than not getting paid-at-all and local employers are abusing this.
(No To Plastic Bags)
Those found to be violating this particular Ordinance will be fined PHP 1,000 for their first offense, PHP 2,000 for their second offense and PHP 3,000 for their third offense with accompanying jail time of not more than 6 months or cancellation of their "License To Operate" for one whole year. Supermarkets, department stores, malls and food stores have greater fines if found to be violating this Ordinance.
My question is, is this Ordinance for REAL or for SHOW? I'm asking because I went out with my wife to buy a few things and all the stores or shops we bought from all used Plastic Bags to hold our purchases in, even Dunkin Donuts used a small plastic bag to hold the two donuts I bought. If it's for real then how is the local government going to fully enforce this?
Our city doesn't need gimmicks or publicity stunts. What we need are industries that will bring-in and will give residents jobs. We have so many shopping centers and banks but most of the people don't have money for them because they're out-of-work or unemployed. Those that do have jobs are not even paid minimum salaries. They just don't complain because it's better than not getting paid-at-all and local employers are abusing this.
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