Poll bets told: Disclose SOCE, campaign materials

PNP help sought vs violators

MANILA, Philippines — Candidates in the midterm elections in May are required after the polls to submit a report on the campaign materials they used, aside from their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures or SOCE, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

“Disclosures are to be made in a clear and conspicuous manner, appearing on the face of the same election propaganda which makes use of environmentally sustainable materials, sufficiently giving notice to the public through textual descriptions,” the Comelec said in a resolution over the weekend.

After the elections, the Comelec said candidates and political parties should submit an inventory of environment-friendly and sustainable materials used in their campaign materials, aside from their SOCE.

Any person donating to the campaign of any candidate or party may also file the same report, the Comelec said.

The filing of the disclosure may be done through email or in person at the office where they filed their certificates of candidacy.

Under the same resolution, the Comelec is tapping the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies in running after candidates violating environmental laws during the campaign.

The poll body has also tasked the PNP to deploy personnel for monitoring and investigation of incidents of “non-environmentally” acceptable practices during the election period.

It further directed the PNP to gather necessary evidence in prosecuting those found to have violated environmental laws in connection with the elections.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Solid Waste Management Commission, Metro Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways and the Bureau of Fire Protection are also tasked to assist in monitoring and taking down illegal campaign materials.

The Comelec has directed its accredited citizens’ arms to provide legal assistance to complainants and witnesses involving violations of environmental laws.

The poll body has stressed the need for urgent action on the impact of campaign practices on the environment, hence its prohibition on the use of non-recyclable or non-biodegradable campaign materials. Candidates are mandated to take down prohibited election materials.