The Supreme Court (SC) has strongly encouraged all courts and personnel of the judiciary not to use single-use plastics in daily activities and operations.
In a Memorandum Order No. 74-2024 signed by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, the SC said as part of protecting the people’s constitutional right to balanced and healthful ecology, it urged all offices in the SC and lower-level courts, as well as concessionaires within any court premise, to be mindful of their consumption of single-use plastics.
Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, cups, cutlery, plates, and food containers, contribute to environmental degradation, waterway pollution, and marine life destruction.
As an alternative, the SC said, the use of sustainable materials such as cloth bags, metal or bamboo straws, reusable cutlery, plates, and food containers is encouraged.
The SC memorandum also mandates that procurement officers in the Judiciary must also consider avoiding the purchase of single-use plastics in favor of reusable or recyclable materials.
“If plastic products are necessary and unavoidable, they should be reused, recycled, and disposed of properly, in accordance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act,” the high court stressed.
The SC issued the memorandum order noting that the law mandates the adoption of a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program that ensures the protection of public health and the environment.
“The law also sets guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures. The guidelines are complemented by various local ordinances banning the use of single-use plastics,” the SC said.