On the afternoon of 17 September 2019, the QC Legislative Council held a Public Hearing on the handling of single-use plastic bags. STC, Susan Lim (JC Plaza) and Lalaine Garces (GL Supermarket) attended in behalf of PAGASA but were prevailed upon by the representatives of SM, Jollibee, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and other retailers who opted for the ban of single-use plastic bags in QC!  Granted that all who attended are aware of the debilitating effects of plastic bags to our environment, banning its use did not consider alternative forms of packaging for taking out groceries/food from establishments. The Ordinance is to take effect on 1 January 2020.