Brgy poll bets warned: Spare trees from nails

CEBU, Philippines - An environmentalist group and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have warned candidates for the barangay elections not to pierce or nail their campaign materials on trees.

Lawyer Liza Eisma-Osorio, one of the founders of  the Cebu-based Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) has warned that the act is a violation of election and environmental laws.

Osorio said that candidates who are aspiring leaders of their respective barangay and community should be a good example to their constituents by abiding the rule of law.

“Otherwise they have no moral and legal ascendancy to govern,” Osorio added.

Lawyer Gloria Ramos, who is also one of PEJC founders, said that candidates should know better.

“They can be disqualified,” said Ramos.

Ramos said that they welcome citizens posting on their PEJC Facebook account the clear pictures with details as to the place, date and time these campaign materials pierced on trees were taken.

“We also expect the Commission on Elections to take immediate action after we send the affidavit complaint,” said Ramos.

The same warning was also issued by DENR-7 urging all candidates for the October 28  barangay election to avoid piercing or nailing their campaign materials on trees.

DENR-7 regional executive director Isabelo Montejo in a statement said that putting up of streamers and tarpaulins on trees especially when using iron nails could severely damage the health condition of the trees.

Section 3 of  Republic Act No. 3571 provides that no cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks other than national parks, school premises or in any other public ground shall be permitted.

Presidential Decree No. 953 also provides a similar prohibition imposing a punishment of  imprisonment of not  less than six months up to two years or a fine of less than P500 and not  more than P5,000 or both at the discretion of the court.

Montejo pointed out that trees have life and make public places to have cooler, fresher and healthier climate and ecology.

By iron nailing a certain material beyond the bark of a tree, Montejo said it will impair the vigor and structural integrity  of a tree as it invites attack by harmful insects, fungi, and diseases.

Montejo also ordered the Provincial Environment and  Natural Resources Officers and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers to issue a notice to certain candidates and even advertisers to remove those materials or ads that were nailed or pierced on trees.

He added that the DENR 7 is conducting a monitoring by noting down certain individuals or corporations who would be violating and advising them to remove those pierced materials or appropriate actions will be made in accordance with the law.

DENR-7 through the Ecosystems Research and Development Services  has been undertaking a tree health monitoring and surgery which is a five-step process of removing the decayed or rotten portion by applying the needed chemicals to sustain its growth. (FREEMAN)