By Francis Allan L. Angelo
As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections approach, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is calling on all candidates to conduct environmentally responsible campaigns.
With the official campaign period beginning on February 11, the agency is urging political hopefuls to refrain from posting or nailing their campaign materials on trees.
“We ask all the candidates to utilize designated posting areas for their materials and spare the trees – protect our trees from harm,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla said.
Lorilla also encouraged candidates to ensure that their campaign materials do not contribute to waste pollution after the elections.
“After the long days of campaigning and posting, candidates should also consider the long-term effects of their posters in our environment. We encourage them to repurpose or dispose [of] it properly, especially the one[s] made out of plastics,” he added.
Environmental Laws on Campaign Materials
The DENR reminded candidates that defacing or damaging trees with campaign materials is illegal under Presidential Decree 953.
The law prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of trees, shrubs, or plants in public spaces, including roads, parks, and school premises.
Violators face imprisonment of six months to two years and fines ranging from PHP 500 to PHP 5,000.
Nailing or hanging posters on trees damages their bark, which serves as a protective layer, making them vulnerable to pests and diseases.
The cambium layer, responsible for transporting nutrients and water, can also be harmed, leading to long-term tree health issues.
Green Campaign
The environmental watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition is echoing the call for an eco-friendly election campaign.
The organization joined the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in promoting an ecological campaign strategy during its “Kalikasan: Pangalagaan sa Halalan” event outside the COMELEC headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.
EcoWaste urged candidates to curb excessive waste and incorporate environmental protection into their platforms and campaign activities.
With elections often linked to plastic waste pollution, littering, and high energy consumption, the group emphasized that national and local candidates must take an active role in reducing their environmental footprint.
To illustrate the negative impact of elections on the environment, an activist dressed in the Philippine flag colors held a globe depicting Mother Earth, bruised and grimacing in pain due to plastic waste pollution.
“We agree with the COMELEC that running for an elective post is not a license to degrade and ruin the environment,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner for EcoWaste Coalition.
“The desire of a person or group to get elected should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. We therefore appeal to all candidates and other electoral stakeholders to prevent and reduce garbage, and, particularly, to minimize pollution from plastic campaign materials and their toxic chemical additives,” he added.
Environmentally Sustainable Elections
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the need for responsible campaigning, stating that “candidacy is not a license to destroy the environment or the peace of our constituents.”
“We want election campaigns to be environment-friendly, and the candidates are taking care of the environment,” Garcia added.
COMELEC has implemented guidelines under Resolution No. 11111 to regulate the use of campaign materials.
The resolution allows only posters and standees made of cloth, paper, cardboard, or other recyclable materials.
Additionally, COMELEC Resolution No. 11086 prohibits single-use plastics, fireworks for campaign events, and styrofoam-based materials.
To encourage sustainability, COMELEC is promoting the use of:
- Reusable food and beverage containers;
- Energy-efficient lighting and sound systems during rallies;
- Biodegradable or reusable banners;
- Electric or hybrid vehicles for motorcades;
- LED billboards or digital campaign ads; and
- Eco-friendly materials such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics.
“We urge all candidates and their supporters to heed the COMELEC guidelines to make the midterm elections environmentally caring as much as possible,” EcoWaste Coalition stated.
“By choosing recyclable and reusable non-toxic campaign materials, reducing the consumption of single-use plastics, and ecologically managing the campaign discards, we can collectively reduce pollution and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all.”
‘Protecting the Environment is Public Service’
Environmental watchdog BAN Toxics also challenged candidates to make environmental protection a core part of their campaign agenda.
“Election season is here again, and soon we’ll be hearing politicians declare their commitment to the people and the nation. But a leader who is truly dedicated to public service must also stand for environmental protection,” the group stated.
BAN Toxics urged candidates to address waste management, plastic pollution, hazardous chemicals, and conservation policies as part of their platform.
“Protecting the environment is synonymous with protecting the public from climate change-induced disasters and exposure to toxic chemicals,” said Thony Dizon, Campaign and Advocacy Officer for BAN Toxics.
“Candidates must recognize that environmental issues are not separate from public welfare – they directly impact health, livelihoods, and future generations.”
Dizon also reminded candidates to follow COMELEC’s sustainable election guidelines by avoiding hazardous campaign materials and reducing plastic waste.
Environmental groups emphasize that voters also play a crucial role in making the elections sustainable.
By supporting candidates who prioritize environmental protection, voters can push for policies that promote cleaner and greener communities.
Voters can also help by discouraging the use of single-use plastics, properly disposing of campaign materials, and choosing digital platforms for political engagement.
BAN Toxics announced that it will release a set of environmental agendas during the election period to guide voters and candidates alike.
“Our call is simple: serve the people, protect the environment,” the group concluded.
