DENR CALLS ON CANDIDATES, SUPPORTERS TO SPARE TREES FROM POSTERS
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera (DENR-CAR) is appealing to candidates and their supporters to spare
trees from their campaign materials. DENR-Cordillera Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Benjamin Ventura reported that during the “Operation Baklas” conducted to remove illegal election materials posted or hung outside of Commission on Elections
(COMELEC)- designated common poster areas, the joint team of the DENR, Comelec, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Philippine National Police took down some posters hung and even nailed on trees.
“There should be protection of our trees from these campaign materials,” Ventura said during the recent Regional Joint Security Control
Center Command Conference at the Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet. Hanging or nailing campaign materials to trees can
cause significant damage to the bark, which serves as the protective layer, and to the other parts of the trees. Both the DENR and the Comelec cited legal bases enforcing their appeal about sparing the trees such as COMELEC Resolution No. 10730 – the Rules and
Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the “Fair Election Act” strengthened by the RA No. 3571 or the “Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value Along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises or in Any Other Public Pleasure Ground” and Presidential Decree 953 Requiring the planting of trees in certain places and penalizing unauthorized cutting, destruction, damaging and injuring of certain trees, plants and vegetation.
COMELEC-CAR Regional Election Director Julius Torres earlier reminded political parties, candidates and their supporters that posting of campaign materials are only allowed on identified common posting areas and on private properties provided the owners give their permission. COMELEC Resolution No. 11111 identifies areas where campaign materials are prohibited to be posted like public places outside of designated common poster areas such as streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, and shrines. The resolution also prohibits election propaganda in the form of posters or standing displays (standee) that are not made of cloth, paper, cardboard, or any recyclable materials. Also, prohibited in election campaigns is the use of single-use plastics, as well as styrofoam and other flex, non-biodegradable materials and hazardous substances.
(JDP/RMC-PIA CAR)
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