Every election cycle, political campaigns flood streets with posters, flyers, and plastic banners, many of which end up clogging drains, polluting rivers, and damaging trees. Despite repeated reminders from environmental agencies and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), candidates persist in their wasteful and harmful campaign practices. It is time to impose severe penalties on violators or rethink campaign rules to prevent environmental degradation.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has once again called on candidates to respect environmental laws by refraining from posting campaign materials on trees. Presidential Decree 953 explicitly prohibits the defacement or destruction of trees in public spaces, with penalties ranging from six months to two years of imprisonment and fines up to PHP 5,000. Yet, election after election, this law is blatantly disregarded.
Beyond tree protection, the larger issue is the sheer volume of campaign waste generated. The EcoWaste Coalition and BAN Toxics have repeatedly urged politicians to adopt eco-friendly campaign practices, highlighting the link between elections and massive plastic waste pollution. COMELEC has even introduced guidelines under Resolution No. 11111 and No. 11086 to regulate campaign materials, banning single-use plastics and promoting recyclable options. However, enforcement remains weak, and candidates rarely face consequences for their environmental infractions.
The political culture in the Philippines is partly to blame. Candidates prioritize visibility over responsibility, flooding communities with posters, leaflets, and tarpaulins that serve no purpose once the election is over. Many campaign sorties rely on extravagant rallies powered by excessive lighting and sound systems, with little regard for energy consumption or waste management. This wasteful approach must change.
One solution is stricter penalties and real enforcement of existing environmental laws. The DENR and COMELEC must collaborate to ensure that violators face the full extent of legal consequences. The PHP 5,000 fine under Presidential Decree 953 is laughably outdated. Heavier financial penalties and even disqualification for repeat offenders should be considered.
Another approach is to integrate sustainability into campaign strategies. The use of digital platforms, reusable banners, and eco-friendly materials should be incentivized. Candidates who actively reduce their environmental footprint must be recognized, while those who continue to deface public spaces should be publicly called out.
Voters also play a crucial role. They must demand accountability from candidates and support those who prioritize environmental protection in their platforms. Encouraging digital engagement over wasteful printed materials can help shift campaign norms toward sustainability.
Election campaigns should not come at the cost of environmental destruction. If candidates truly aspire to serve the people, they must also commit to protecting the environment. It is time to break the cycle of wasteful, destructive election campaigns and hold politicians accountable for their impact on our communities and natural resources.
