Bets urged to be kind to the environment

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Authorities asked yesterday political parties and candidates in the May elections to avoid nailing campaign materials to trees.

Maximo Dichoso, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Luzon regional director, said candidates must stick to environment-friendly campaigning.

“The idea is to minimize garbage and to inflict as little damage on the environment and trees toward the end of the elections,” he said.

Well-meaning candidates and their supporters must be mindful of the environment and use recyclable and biodegradable campaign materials, Dichoso said.

In a statement, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje called on candidates to put waste avoidance and reduction at the heart of their strategy to win.

“Let us change the face of Philippine politics with clean elections defined not only by an intelligent electorate, but a trash-free one as well,” he said.

Under Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 6520, the election officer must provide common poster areas in public places like plazas, markets, or barangay centers.

Lydia Pangilinan, Pampanga provincial election supervisor, said Comelec rules prohibit the posting of campaign materials on trees, schools, shrines, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, flyovers, bridges, islands, highways, waiting sheds, sidewalks, street and lamp posts, and electric posts.

Candidates are also banned from sticking campaign materials on ambulances, patrol cars, and government vehicles.

Violations would constitute an election offense punishable under the Omnibus Election Code.

Imposable penalties are imprisonment of one to six years, disqualification to hold public office, and for political parties, a fine of not less than P10,000.– Ric Sapnu