Impeachment goes ‘green’

MANILA, Philippines – No more free advertising for bottled water companies. Not during the impeachment trial, anyway.

In a memorandum submitted to senators last March 7, Senate Secretary Emma Lirio Reyes said that her office will be setting up 3 water dispensers at the session hall during the trial. This is in lieu of the bottled water that used to be distributed to senator-judges as well as members of the prosecution and defense panels.

The decision was prompted by an earlier letter of Sen Pia Cayetano, who said the Senate should set an example in protecting the environment by reducing the use of plastic.

“May we inform that, upon the recommendation of the Honorable Pia Cayetano, 2 water dispensers inside the session hall, one water dispenser at the Senators’ lounge and individual glasses will be provided for use during session and impeachment proceedings, in lieu of the bottled water distributed to the Honorable Senators, prosecution and defense teams,” the memorandum signed by Reyes said.

“This is in line with our efforts to make the Senate a more environmentally conscious government agency,” it added.

In her letter dated February 28, Cayetano said, “We are well aware of the detrimental effects of plastic bottles on the environment from its manufacture to its disposal. In the 24 days of the impeachment proceedings, we have contributed a considerable number of plastic bottles which produce a tremendous impact on the environment.”

She suggested that the legislative pages can draw drinking water from the said dispensers and give the same to requesting parties.

The world marks “World Water Day” on March 22. – Rappler.com