The Metro Manila Development Authority said it would forge ahead with its “anti-epal” operation to remove illegal and unsafe election materials as the campaign for local candidates officially began on Monday.
The latest operation, according to MMDA Task Force Baklas Billboard chief Rod Tuazon, resulted in the removal of 12,306 campaign materials of both local and national candidates.
Tuazon said the campaign, which started Feb. 8, covers the densely populated in Quezon City, Manila, San Juan, Valenzuela and Caloocan.
The MMDA recently turned over more than a ton of campaign tarpaulins to the members of environmental group Ecowaste Coalition, which will recycle into bags and other useful items.
The tarpaulins were among the truckloads of illegal campaign or “epal” materials removed by the MMDA from foot bridges, lamp posts, cable wires and trees during the operation dubbed “Operation Baklas.”
Epal is Pilipino slang for “ma-papel” or one who craves attention, takes credit for other people’s work, or needlessly meddles in their affairs.
Also on Monday, Ecowaste and National Coalition to Save the Trees appealed to national and local candidates not to post campaign materials on trees.
“These acts of torture could stress out the trees and make them susceptible to decay-causing microorganisms, injurious insects and diseases leading to stunted growth, shorter lifespan and early death,” said Father Robert Reyes, NCST chairperson.
“We need trees to supply us and other animals with clean air to breathe, to prevent deadly landslides and floods, and to protect us from global warming and climate change. Please don’t hurt the trees to advance your political agenda,” he said.
“Poll candidates might claim they are not the ones committing these acts of torture on trees and pin the blame solely on their supporters,” said Ecowaste coordinator Aileen Lucero.
“That is a lame excuse and unacceptable. Politicians have the responsibility to ensure that their campaign does not in any way harm trees and Mother Earth,” she emphasized.
Candidates placing campaign materials on trees would be violating Commission on Elections Resolution 10049, or the Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act 9006, the Fair Elections Act.
Under that resolution, campaign materials should not be posted in public structures, schools, bridges, center islands, transportation terminals, waiting sheds, electric posts and wires, trees and other unauthorized places.