Poll bets warned on environmental violations

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) warned all candidates in the May 2019 midterm election to strictly observe environmental laws to avoid violations when posting election materials and related matter. 

Juan Miguel Cuna, DENR Undersecretary for field operations, told The STAR that the DENR and local government units will strictly enforce all environmental laws in connection with the election period to penalize those who violate the rules. 

“They (candidates) should follow all ordinance on solid waste management; according to the law those who put up posters will also be the ones to remove them. This hasn’t been followed in past elections but should be strictly enforced now by the DENR and local government units. LGUs should ensure that if the violation is in their jurisdiction they should enforce the law,” Cuna said during an interview at the DENR regional office here recently.

Senatorial and party-list candidates will start campaigning on Feb. 12 while congressmen, provincial and municipal candidates begin their campaign on March 30, 2019.  

Cuna said the nailing of posters and election materials on trees is strictly prohibited and violators face corresponding criminal charges. 

“Give value to our trees. There are candidates and their supporters who nail posters on trees but this is in violation of our laws,” Cuna said during turnover ceremonies for the new DENR regional director where he was guest speaker.