QC to prohibit use of plastic election materials

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government is eyeing a “plastic-free” midterm election with an ordinance that will prohibit the use of plastic propaganda and advertisement materials in the city.

Principally authored by Councilor Dorothy Delarmente, the proposed ordinance seeks to penalize those who will use campaign or advertisement materials made of thin plastic in the city. She said the ordinance will not ban the use of tarpaulins made of PVC.

Under the measure, anyone who will print, transport, or possess plastic propaganda or advertisement materials will be fined P5,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of one year for first-time offenders. Both penalties may be imposed on those who will break the rule for the third time.

Delarmente said that unlike tarpaulins, which can be reused, the thinner plastic advertisements usually end up in creeks and drainage systems weeks after they are posted.

The proposal is expected to sail through the local legislative mill as the city council is expected to tackle it for second and third readings next week. It passed the committee level Wednesday.

Delarmente said Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte are supporting the passage of the ordinance.

Councilors Francisco Calalay, Joseph Juico, Ricardo Belmonte, Eden Medina, Roderick Paulate, Aly Medalla, Raquel Malañgen, and Gian Carlo Sotto co-authored the proposed measure.