QC gov't urges candidates to avoid using plastic campaign materials
The Quezon City government on Friday, April 1, urged all candidates in the May 2022 elections to avoid using campaign materials made of polyethylene or plastic.
The city government made the call as it reminded them of an ordinance implemented in 2013, which prohibits the installation of advertisements and propaganda materials made of plastic in the city.
According to the local government, there are two materials (plastic and polyvinyl chloride ) commonly used for campaign posters, which usually end up in creeks.
"Due to the volume needed during election season, plastic posters are everywhere as they are cheaper than PVC. But these are also the materials that litter the city for years after the elections are over," Department of Sanitation and Clean-up Works (DSQC) Chief Richard Santuile said.
Santuille added that plastic advertising and campaign materials are the most frequently collected during their clean-up activities.
"When the city banned these materials, it was because of their long-term negative impact on our environment. Even broken down or torn pieces increase the risk of flooding, especially now that heavy downpour is unpredictable and can happen even in the heat of summer," he said.
On March 7, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) led by retired Gen. Elmo San Diego started removing the said campaign materials that are not placed in areas assigned by the Commission on Election (Comelec).
San Diego said they confiscated 24 truckloads or 21 tons of ads (including those made of plastics) only for the month of March.
"We can still see ads and posters made from plastic during our routine clearing operations. That's why the city will ramp up our operations and penalize those who have violated the ordinance," San Diego said.
Individuals and businesses caught violating the ordinance will receive a notice of violation on their first offense, according to the local government. They will be fined P3,000 and are required to do community service for second offense.
For third offense, violators will be fined P5,000 and will be required to do a three-day community service.
Corporations will also receive a notice for first offense once caught violating the ordinance. They will be fined P3,000 for second offense, P5,000 fine and revocation of the “Mayors Permit to Operate” for third offense.
The local government said that starting April 1, candidates are given five days to voluntarily remove their plastic campaign materials before the city’s law and order cluster conducts another round of clearing operations. Another five days will be allowed for them to claim the confiscated PVC posters.
It added that all seized plastic paraphernalia, including unclaimed PVC posters, will be turned over to the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) for recycling.