The heat is on

TODAY starts the campaign for local candidates. Expect candidates and parties to step up their efforts to woo voters regardless of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) rules on lawful election propaganda.

To encourage respect for the rule of law, agencies authorized by Comelec must conduct nonstop removal operations of posters and other campaign materials that are oversized or displayed in forbidden places.

Despite repeated Comelec warning, we find lots of campaign materials nailed or stapled on trees, or hanging in lamp posts, bridges, waiting sheds and other inappropriate places.  

Among the agencies designated by Comelec for the purpose of dismantling unlawful campaign materials are the departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, and Philippine National Police.  Taking down illegal campaign materials will promote an even playing field for all political aspirants and parties, as well as protect public health and the environment.  

It would also be good for the Department of Education to reiterate the ban on posting or hanging of campaign materials within the school premises, which also serve as polling places, including grounds in front of a school as well as the fences, walls and sidewalks around it.

And yes, the general public may also take matters in their own hands. And we mean recycling or repurposing election posters, leaflets and other propaganda materials to conserve resources and to cut the volume of election-related garbage requiring disposal.

Comelec allows posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other material, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding two feet by three feet, and prohibits the display of such posters outside authorized common poster areas, in public places, or in private properties without the consent of the owner.

Among other places, election campaign posters are not allowed in “public places” such as waiting sheds, sidewalks, street and lamp posts, electric posts and wires, traffic signages and other signboards erected on public property, pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, flyovers and underpasses, bridges, main thoroughfares, and center islands of roads and highways.

More importantly, parties and candidates are encouraged to use recyclable and environment-friendly materials and avoid those that contain hazardous chemicals and substances in the production of their campaign and election propaganda.