Comelec appeals to candidates: Don't use wires, plastics as campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday appealed to candidates running for the midterm elections to avoid using wires and plastics when putting up their campaign materials.

During the kick-off of "Oplan Baklas" in Manila, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they observed that most candidates used wires or scotch tape to put up their campaign posters.

"Nakakalungkot dahil mga ginagamit kasi mga kawad na pag tinanggal niyo, masisira yung mga poste at syempre kumakaskas sa poste (It's sad because they used wires that if removed, they damage or scratch electric posts)," Garcia explained.

"Ang hirap tanggalin lalo na yung pagkakakip na gamit yung mga scotch tape... Isipin niyo po, masasaktan at masasaktan yung mga magtatanggal ng mga ganto kasi may mga kawad siya na pwedeng makasugat doon sa mismo ng mga magtatanggal (It's hard to remove them, especially the ones attached with scotch tape... Think about those who will remove those and will possibly get hurt because the wires could injure those who are removing them)," he added.

Garcia also appealed to candidates to stop using plastics and instead use biodegradable campaign materials, as well as avoid posting posters on trees.

"Let us please respect the environment and let us please observe the rules and regulations of the Commission on Elections," he continued.

"Sabi namin pwede naman gumamit ng karton, o papel, o kahit cloth man lang, at syempre social media (We already told them they could use boxes, papers, or cloths, and of course, use social media)," he added.

Citing the EcoWaste Coalition, Garcia said 20 tons of trash are collected daily from illegal campaign materials.

The Comelec said the poll body will keep all confiscated campaign materials and will use them as evidence in filing appropriate charges.

He also reminded candidates that posters should not exceed two feet by three feet in size. Meanwhile, streamers are allowed only for public meetings or rallies and should not exceed three by eight feet in size.

They may be displayed for a maximum of five days before the event and must be taken down within 24 hours after.

Designated common poster areas, according to Comelec, are mostly public places, such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, or areas where crowds gather.