Give private sector 3-6 months to dispose plastic bags — Jonkie

Vendors at the old Mandaue City public market still use plastic bags despite the implementation of the plastic ban ordinance in the city. (CDN PHOTO/FERDINAND R. EDRALIN)

Two days after the Mandaue City government started the implementation of the 2010 Plastic Ban Ordinance among market vendors, sixth district Provincial Board Member Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano suggested to have private establishments exempted from the ban for three to six months to give them more time to dispose of their remaining stocks of plastic bags.

The ordinance took into full effect last Saturday with barangay tanods and eco-wardens as the enforcement team.

“The intention of this ordinance is very beneficial for everyone. But, in my personal opinion especially that I myself is a businessman, let’s give these private companies time to get rid of their remaining stocks of plastic bags,” said Ouano.

Ouano is the managing director of eight fast food chain outlets in Cebu.

Ouano reiterated that the three to six months plastic ban exemption was just his opinion, and that the public should still follow directives from the local government unit.

“I think six months is too long. Maybe three months is enough. As what I said earlier, the purpose and intention for this plastic ban is for everyone’s sake,” he said.

When asked how will the ordinance affect the private institutions that still stored stocks of plastic bags, Ouano said he would consult them, along with the people of Mandaue.

“Let us also understand the side of these private companies, especially that they invested and had allocated portions of their capital in purchasing these plastic bags. To give them time to dispose their stocks in the span of three to six months is just my opinion. In the end, it is up to the LGU to take the necessary actions,” he said in Cebuano.

Meanwhile, Mandue City Mayor Gabriel Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing mentioned in a press conference yesterday the ongoing information campaign about the plastic ban ordinance especially on market and retails.

Quisumbing said that violators will pay P500 fine and an imprisonment of at least five days.

Quisumbing said he found the ordinance as among the solutions to flooding during heavy rains.

He said dredging on the waterways would also continue to address the problem of flooding. /UP Cebu Intern Morexette Marie Erram