Candidacy not a license to ruin environment, poll bets told

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia (INQUIRER / LYN RILLON)

MANILA, Philippines — “Hindi po lisensya ang pagtakbo upang sirain ang kapaligiran o kaya naman ang mismong katahimikan ng mga kababayan ay maistorbo.”

(Candidacy is not a license to destroy the environment or the peace of our constituents.) 

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia made this remark in an ambush interview on Friday as the election body launched the Committee on Environmentally Sustainable Elections.

Garcia reiterated that the  Comelec wants to promote environmental-friendly campaigns among candidates and party-list organizations.

“Ang gusto lang natin ay environment-friendly lahat ng kampanya, materyales na gagamitin, ang mga kandidato ay pinoprotektahan ang kapaligiran.,” Garcia added. 

(We want all [election] campaigns to be environment-friendly where they use proper materials and the candidates are taking care of the environment.)

Garcia pointed out the amount of trash collected during campaign season that are not just posters, but also the amount of single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials.

According to Comelec Resolution No. 11111, election propaganda must be made of cloth, paper, cardboard, or any recyclable materials. 

“Single-use plastics, as well as styrofores and other flex, non-biodegradable materials and hazardous substances used in election campaign, services or events, prohibited under applicable laws, rules, and relevant issuances, including, but not limited to, those prohibited under ordinances and resolutions issued by local government units shall also be prohibited,” the resolution added.

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The resolution also stated that candidates are encouraged to use the following environmentally acceptable election propaganda:

• Reusable materials such as food and beverage containers
• Energy-efficient lighting and sound system during rallies
• Banners that are biodegradable or made with reusable materials
• Electric Vehicle or Hybrid-Electric Vehicle for motorcades, subject to limitations set under the law or COMELEC rules and regulations
• LED Billboards and other digital platforms
• Other materials with sustainable local alternatives such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics.