Group calls for clean election, literally

CEBU, Philippines — An environmental watchdog group urged both national and local candidates to comply with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and keep the polls "basura-free with the conduct of mid-term elections tomorrow, May 12, 2025.

The EcoWaste Coalition, an advocate for the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, pleaded for "basura-free" polls as candidates conclude their grueling campaign with final motorcades and miting de avance. RA 9003 prohibits littering and penalizes this environmental offense with a fine of ?300 to ?1,000 or one to 15-day community service, or both, the group reminded.

“As the official campaign period ends on Saturday, we appeal to all candidates to ensure that their remaining activities do not contribute to further environmental degradation," said EcoWaste Coalition zero waste campaigner Cris Luague.

“Please do not turn the venues of your miting de avance into dumpsites. Enforce RA 9003 and the 'clean as you go' policy, as well as implement a 'no smoking, no vaping' policy,” Luague added.  Organizers were likewise requested to refrain from lighting firecrackers, releasing balloons, and throwing confetti in their final campaign meetings to prevent waste and pollution.

“On May 12, election day, please respect the ban on campaigning, including the distribution of sample ballots and flyers. Aside from being illegal, the distribution of such campaign materials contributes to the widespread littering observed in many polling places and their adjacent streets," he said.

Luage also reminded that children and the elderly should not be used by the candidates to distribute sample ballots like in past elections.

“We also advise candidates to avoid using styrofoam and other single-use plastics for the meals of their poll watchers and other volunteers. Cut down on plastic bottles by advising your teammates to bring their own water in reusable container. Also, remind them to use the segregated waste bins for their discards,”

After the election, the coalition urged all candidates to conduct post-campaign clean-up regardless of their success or failure to get the people's trust and votes.

“Win or lose, go out and remove campaign materials and ensure their environmentally-safe recycling or disposal in line with environmental and electoral laws," Luague added.

The group likewise reminded candidates to refrain from putting up "thank you" tarpaulins to cut on waste. — (FREEMAN)