Ezra Francisquete/UM Main, Intern – DAVAO CITY – Plastic Free – Pilipinas, Regional Coordinator on Monday has called out the local candidates to observe the policies implemented by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) especially on their campaign materials as part of the environmental-related violations on National/Local Polls.
In an annual Kapehan sa Dabaw, Jill A. Banta, Regional Coordinator of the said movement revealed that elections were never environmentally friendly and that COMELEC should properly regulate and punish candidates who violate their rules.
Banta stated that there should be support for local efforts or executive order that pushes or mandates this matter as a response to their candidacy. When asked about the ‘operation baklas of COMELEC, she clarified that the operation is not enough as there is still campaign paraphernalia posted everywhere in many areas.
During an open interview with Banta, she also urged the candidates to think about the climate crisis and consider it on their respective platforms.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is set to release an executive order (EO) mandating all local candidates in the city to remove their posters after May 9 elections. The EO will order local candidates to initiate their own “cleanup teams”.
Plastic Free Philippines as one of the environmental multi-sectoral organizations of the Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM) will have its environmental protest on April 19 at Sangguniang Panlungsod; a Davao Bike Action for Climate Change at Assembly Area at Freedom Park on April 24; covenantee with local candidates on April 25 and will also have its participation during Earth Day starting from April 22 to 25.
