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The official campaign period for senators and party-list groups has started and now we gear up for the May 12, 2025 elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) opened the campaign period with a “symbolic gesture for the entire country” launching “Oplan Baklas” to remind candidates that they could face election offense charges and even disqualification for illegally posted campaign materials.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia warned that the “Comelec is working and will continue to work to show candidates and political parties that if they post outside the designated areas in the coming days, we will remove them.”
As voters get surrounded by the candidates plans for a better government, the spotlight should not only be the political landscape but also the environmental impact of campaign activities. With candidates launching their efforts to win votes, an unintended consequence emerges — the massive amounts of campaign-related waste. The Comelec and environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition have rightly urged candidates to adopt eco-friendly practices to minimize pollution and reduce harm to the environment.
The issue of solid waste management has long been a pressing problem in the country and the expected deluge of campaign materials — posters, banners, billboards, flyers, tarpaulin, etc. — will aggravate the problem. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country generates around 21 million metric tons of waste annually, with Metro Manila contributing approximately 10,000 tons per day. Improper disposal, burning of garbage, and the proliferation of non-biodegradable materials exacerbate environmental degradation.
Seeking public office must not come at the expense of environmental degradation. Candidates can show their concern for the environment by using recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials in their campaigns. The Comelec’s issuance of Resolution No. 11111 and Resolution No. 11086 reinforces this call by prohibiting single-use plastics and mandating the use of sustainable campaign materials, such as cloth, paper, cardboard, and compostable alternatives.
To address the waste problem, several steps can be taken by candidates and their supporters. First, social media and online platforms can effectively reach voters without generating physical waste. Candidates should leverage these technologies to reduce their reliance on printed materials. When physical campaign materials are necessary, biodegradable posters, banners made from natural fabrics, and recycled paper should be prioritized.
Campaign materials should never be nailed to trees, as this practice damages living trees that are crucial for a healthy environment.
During rallies, campaign teams should use reusable food containers and energy-efficient lighting systems to minimize waste.
After the elections, candidates should organize cleanup drives to responsibly dispose of campaign materials, regardless of the results.
The Quezon City government’s intensified “Oplan Baklas” drive is a commendable step in ensuring compliance with regulations on campaign materials. The removal of illegal propaganda from utility poles and public equipment serves as a reminder that environmental laws must be enforced and respected.
Beyond enforcement, however, cooperation from candidates and the public is essential. By voluntarily adhering to Comelec guidelines and embracing eco-friendly campaign practices, candidates can set a positive example of environmental stewardship.
As voters, we should also demand accountability from candidates not only for their political promises but also for their commitment to protecting the environment. Let’s support leaders who prioritize sustainability and responsible governance.
The 2025 elections present an opportunity to demonstrate that democracy and environmental protection can go hand in hand. By choosing green campaigns, we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier Philippines for future generations.
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