Comelec reminds poll aspirants to use biodegradable campaign materials

Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO
MANILA, Philippines — With just a week away from the start of the campaign period for the national positions for the May polls, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday reminded poll aspirants to use biodegradable materials for their election-related propaganda.
“Let’s follow the sizes of campaign materials. Avoid non-biodegradable. Use biodegradable materials instead,” Garcia said in Filipino during an ambush interview.
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Under the Comelec Resolution No. 11086, the poll body reminds poll aspirants and political parties to use lawful election propaganda such as:
- Printed materials like pamphlet and leaflet not exceeding 8.5 inches by width and 14 inches by height
- Printed or handwritten letters
- Posters made from cloth, paper, cardboard or any recyclable material not exceeding 2 feet (ft) by 3 ft
streamers not exceeding 3 ft by 8 ft (must be shown five days before a rally in a certain place and must be taken down 24 hours after) - Paid printed advertisement and broadcast media under the requirements of Sec. 11 of Comelec Resolution 11086 and Fair Elections Act
- Static LED billboard owned by private entities or individuals
- Mobile or transit advertisements in public transportation under the condition that it follows the guidelines of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for commercial advertisements
- Signboards not exceeding 3 ft by 9 ft posted in the candidates’ headquarters
- Other election propaganda not prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code or Comelec Resolution No. 11086
Garcia also shared that the poll body is targeting to launch this week the initiatives on environmentally sustainable elections.
Article continues after this advertisement“Meaning, it is not just limited to use of campaign materials, but in using materials that will not harm the environment,” Garcia added.
Article continues after this advertisementFurther, he reminded poll aspirants to train their manpower to properly conduct “Oplan Kabit” and “Oplan Baklas” operations to avoid destruction of properties or campaign materials of other aspirants.
He also called on them to only post their materials on common poster areas and seek permission from private entities or individuals if they are planning to display materials on their properties.
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Lastly, he reiterated that aspirants must seek consent from artists if they are going to use their creations, such as the campaign jingle.