EcoWaste Coalition Applauds Quezon City Government’s Determined Action vs. Mercury-Containing Cosmetics
(QC LGU earns “ganda” points for creating a task force to enforce ban on mercury cosmetics)
24 February 2025, Quezon City. The Quezon City Government got a well-deserved pat on the back for its latest move to protect its constituents, women and children in particular, from the detrimental effects of mercury in tainted skin lightening products to human health and the environment.
In a statement, the environmental health and justice group EcoWaste Coalition commended QC Mayor Joy Belmonte for the issuance of Executive Order No. 2, series of 2025, which provides for a concrete mechanism to get the citywide prohibition on mercury-containing cosmetics effectively enforced. Signed last February 12, the order takes effect immediately.
An inter-department/office task force led by the QC Health Department (QCHD) has been constituted to support the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of City Ordinance No. 2767, series of 2018, banning mercury-added cosmetics. The City Health Officer and the Head of the Special Services Division will act as its chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively. The Food-Drug Regulation Section will serve as its Secretariat.
“We commend Mayor Joy Belmonte and the QCHD for their earnest efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the landmark ordinance banning the manufacture, distribution and sale of mercury-added cosmetics in the city,” said Manny Calonzo, Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. “We consider the issuance of the E.O. as an early Women’s Day gift for women, particularly pregnant women and babies in their wombs, who are very vulnerable to mercury toxicity.”
“The formation of the task force will surely improve coordination and collaboration among the different departments and offices, as well as enhance the safety of food-drug regulation officers who are on the frontlines of ensuring business compliance to the mercury cosmetic ban,” he added. “The E. O. drives us to be more vigilant and perform our role as a watchdog group with firm resolve.”
Lee Bell, Technical and Policy Advisor for the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) said: “This is how it’s done — active cooperation between city authorities and experienced NGOs to make a difference on the ground where it matters. An active task force is critical to remove these poisonous cosmetics from the shelves and protect women and other vulnerable populations from the toxic effects of mercury. Quezon City authorities should be commended for this innovative approach which is a model for other regional leaders of how to move from policy to action and make a difference.”
To recall, City Ordinance No. 2767 approved on November 19, 2018 banned the manufacture, distribution and sale of cosmetics containing mercury. Its enactment came on the heels of an exposé by the EcoWaste Coalition regarding the unchecked trade in the city of unauthorized cosmetics with mercury, a potent neurotoxin added to skin lightening products to suppress the production of melanin.
To assist with its implementation, the EcoWaste Coalition has been monitoring the market, except during the COVID-19 lockdown period, to document violations that are subsequently reported to the city government.
On November 12, 2023, the EcoWaste Coalition reported to Mayor Belmonte that at least 15 retail stores and three online sellers were engaged in the illicit trade of mercury-containing cosmetics, triggering a spate of inspection activities by QC’s food-drug regulation officers led by pharmacist Jeanette Dacanay and her team.
The QCHD convened on November 28, 2023 a Consultative Meeting with concerned departments to tackle the illegal trade of mercury-containing cosmetics uncovered by the EcoWaste Coalition. A Technical Working Group Meeting followed on February 20, 2024.
Another Consultative Meeting was held on May 21, 2024 involving retailers or exhibitors of cosmetic products and food supplements where the health and environmental hazards of mercury-containing cosmetics were discussed by the representatives of the EcoWaste Coalition and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“We hope other local government units in Metro Manila and the whole Philippines will follow Quezon City’s example, and take bold steps to stop the persistent trade of dangerous cosmetics with mercury in their cities and municipalities to protect public health and the environment,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.
The mercury in some skin lightening products can cause skin rashes, scarring and discoloration; reduced skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections; nervous, renal, and immune system damage; and anxiety, depression and psychosis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Last January 31, 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition presented an “Award of Recognition” to the Quezon City Government during its 25th anniversary celebration. The city government was cited for its invaluable support to many of the group’s advocacies, including the ban on plastic bags and other single-use plastics, the promotion of ecological solid waste management, the mandatory procurement and use of lead-safe paints, and the ban on mercury-containing cosmetics. (PR)
Reference:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-CED-PHE-EPE-19.13
