Bravo Filipino | LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY – DENR Bicol Cautions Candidates on Posting Campaign Materials on Trees | Campaign materials should be posted in specific areas for poll bets, as always. Candidates and their supporters have been reminded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) not to place campaign posters on trees.
Campaign posters should only be put up in places recognized by the Election Commission, according to DENR-5 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr. (Comelec).
Candidates and their supporters who have nailed campaign materials to trees should remove them now before they are served with warnings, urged Milla on DENR-5’s Facebook page.
Using iron nails to hang tarps and streamers from trees is not only against the law, but it might also harm the trees, according to him.
Those found cutting, destroying, or injuring trees, flowering plants, shrubs, or plants of scenic value along public roads, plazas, parks, schools, or other public pleasure grounds will be punished under Republic Act (RA) No. 3571 or “An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value,” the post read.
A third section of Presidential Decree (PD) 953 bans the mutilation or destruction of trees of any type, including those that have been naturally grown or that have been planted.
It is possible to face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to PHP5,000 for offenders of PD 953 if a judge decides to do so.
TARPAULINS, which may include toxic compounds harmful to human health and the environment, were discouraged by DENR-5 from being used by candidates and their supporters.
It also advised the public to contact their local DENR field office or social media page to report any infractions of environmental laws. (From PNA-Eliakim OJT’s Neric, with further reporting.)
