Comelec tells bets: Don’t harm the environment
Credit to Author: Rhodina Villanueva| Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — With only two days before the start of the campaign period for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections has urged political candidates to adopt environment-friendly campaign practices while seeking public support.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the election season should not be an excuse for candidates to litter or throw their garbage in public places.
“Campaigning for election is not a license for the candidates to leave trash in public places and use materials that can harm our environment,” Garcia said during the launch of the Comelec’s Committee on Environmentally Sustainable Elections on Friday.
The poll chief advised voters to demand candidates to include in their political platforms an “environmental agenda,” noting that such initiatives would significantly contribute to environmental protection.
“Ask them what their plans are in taking care of the environment,” Garcia said.
He also said candidates should use biodegradable materials in their campaign activities.
“Apart from using eco-friendly products in their campaign, they should also be conscious of what they use during meetings or gatherings such as styropor and plastics that they just instantly throw away,” Garcia explained.
Beyond economic programs and other political issues, Garcia said he would support a candidate who genuinely prioritizes environmental responsibility.
“I will vote for a candidate who, after engaging in political meetings, you see that person carrying a garbage bag to do a cleanup of the venue. In that sense you will know that a candidate has conscience, discipline and character. The people should use that as a basis in voting for a candidate – one who also cares for the environment,” he said.
“This is just a reminder to all, that through this committee, we will correct the long-time mistakes of the past. We should now put an end to the harm being inflicted on the environment,” he added.
With the campaign period set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Garcia said he would push for the creation of a task force that will address campaign-related violations.
“We need to establish a ‘Task Force Baklas’ to look into violations not only in the size of campaign materials but also the use of things that are causing harm to the environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. underscored the urgency of addressing environmental concerns, stating, “to safeguard the future of our people and of our democracy, there is a need to address these environmental issues with urgency and determination.”
Comelec has introduced guidelines on the use of sustainable election propaganda and the prohibition of unlawful campaign materials, according to Maceda.
“The goals of these reforms are clear – to promote the use of recyclable and environment-friendly materials and encourage candidates and political parties to manage resources judiciously and dispose of campaign materials responsibly,” he said.