The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will require all candidates to use biodegradable campaign materials for the 2025 national and local elections, warning that violations of the rule may be grounds for disqualification.
Poll chairman George Garcia has recommended to the en banc the creation of a committee on environmentally sustainable elections that will look into the proposed measures to will minimize the environmental impact of campaign activities, such as rallies and sorties, and the production and eventual disposal of campaign materials.
“The posters must be biodegradable and at the same time, should follow what was prescribed not only by the United Nations (UN) but also our Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),” Garcia.
The Comelec has previously expressed concerns over the heavy use of campaign materials especially those made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC and colored tarpaulins.
The poll body said almost all of the candidates invest in non-biodegradable campaign materials due to their strength and durability, leading to substantial increases in the volume of plastic wastes resulting to further degradation of the ecosystem.
Garcia also mulls to decrease the noise pollution during the campaign and election period.
He warned that posters that do not meet Comelec requirements will be regarded as illegal posters and such violation may be grounds for disqualification.
“If they violate rules of the Comelec, which is under the Omnibus Election Code, it will qualify as an election offense and may be grounds for disqualification,” he stressed.
However, Garcia assured candidates that the poll body would be fair and open to a compromise between profit, business, and obligation to the environment.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Comelec to require biodegradable campaign materials.”
