AS the midterm election campaign enters its final stretch, an environmental watchdog group is urging national and local candidates to comply with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and keep the polls “basura-free.”
The EcoWaste Coalition, an advocate for the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, made the appeal as candidates prepare to conclude their campaigns with final motorcades and miting de avance events.
RA 9003 prohibits littering and penalizes offenders with a fine of P300 to P1,000, community service of one to 15 days, or both, the group reminded.
“As the official campaign period ends this Saturday, we appeal to all candidates to ensure that their remaining activities do not contribute to further environmental degradation,” said Cris Luague, Zero Waste campaigner for the EcoWaste Coalition. “Please do not turn the venues of your miting de avance into dumpsites. Enforce RA 9003 and the ‘clean as you go’ policy, and implement a ‘no smoking, no vaping’ policy.”
The group also asked campaign organizers to refrain from lighting firecrackers, releasing balloons, or throwing confetti at final campaign events to minimize waste and pollution.
“On May 12, election day, please respect the ban on campaigning, including the distribution of sample ballots and flyers. Aside from being illegal, distributing these materials contributes to widespread littering in many polling places and nearby streets,” Luague said. “Children and the elderly should not be used to distribute sample ballots, as seen in past elections.”
He also urged candidates to avoid using Styrofoam and single-use plastics for the meals of poll watchers and volunteers. “Cut down on plastic bottles by advising your teams to bring reusable water containers,” Luague said. “Also, remind them to use segregated waste bins for their discards.”
During the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, the EcoWaste Coalition reported rampant littering at polling places, citing sample ballots and single-use plastic packaging as the most common waste items.
“Right after the election, we urge all candidates to conduct a post-campaign cleanup, regardless of the results. Win or lose, remove campaign materials and ensure their environmentally safe recycling or disposal in line with environmental and electoral laws,” Luague said.
Section 4 of Article IV of Commission on Elections Resolution No. 11111 requires candidates to conduct post-election cleanups, in accordance with Resolution No. 11086 on fair election rules, the group noted.
EcoWaste also emphasized that open burning and dumping of waste are prohibited under environmental laws such as RA 9003 and RA 8749, the Clean Air Act.
The group added that the volume of campaign waste sent to disposal sites can be reduced through recycling or safe reuse of materials.
EcoWaste also urged candidates not to put up “thank you” tarpaulins to reduce waste. “Candidates can better express their gratitude to voters — and to Mother Earth — by fulfilling their campaign promises and avoiding corrupt and dirty politics,” Luague said.
