Comelec Albay urges bets: Use eco-friendly campaign materials

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY--- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Albay is encouraging candidates for the national and local elections to utilize eco-friendly and recyclable campaign materials to help preserve natural resources.

In an interview, Comelec-Albay election supervisor Ma. Aurea Bo-Bunao said the commission prohibits the use of single-use plastics, which are considered illegal campaign paraphernalia.

“We hope that our candidates will join us in protecting the environment by using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for their campaign posters,” she said.

“Climate change is a real issue that affects our environment, and we are asking our candidates to cooperate with this initiative.”

Bo-Bunao reminded candidates that election propaganda, including posters or standees that are not made of cloth, cardboard, or other recyclable materials, will not be permitted.

“Single-use plastics, as well as Styrofoam, flex materials, non-biodegradable substances, and hazardous materials, are also prohibited. Additionally, election propaganda is not allowed on government properties, public transportation, or in schools,” she said.

Comelec-Albay has already launched “Oplan Baklas,” which involves the removal of illegal campaign materials as part of the 90-day campaign period for national positions.

The campaign period for local candidates will begin on March 28 and run until May 10.

“We will remove posters or standing displays exceeding the dimensions of 2’x3’, streamers larger than 3’x8’, and any campaign materials located outside designated poster areas,” she said.

Bo-Bunao said campaign materials are not allowed on streets, bridges, public structures, buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines, or main thoroughfares.

Placing campaign materials on planted or growing trees, flowering plants, shrubs, or any plants of scenic value along public roads is also prohibited.

Bo-Bunao said candidates are not permitted to campaign on Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), the eve of election day (May 11), and on election day (May 12). PNA