12 for senatorial and party-list candidates, and March 29 for congressional and elective regional, provincial, city and municipal posts.
The election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be synchronized with the midterm polls.
EcoWaste Coalition urged candidates to minimize the use of campaign materials such as leaflets, pamphlets, posters, stickers, decals, and plastic and tarpaulin streamers.
It said propaganda materials should be in post-consumer recycled paper and carry a reminder that says “para sa ating kalusugan at kalikasan, huwag pong ikalat, itambak o sunugin (for our health and environment, don’t litter, dump or burn)” or its equivalent in local languages.
The group urged not to use confetti, buntings and balloons, which often get burned or discarded in waterways, seas and dumpsites.
“Candidates and their supporters should not light sky lanterns as this may cause fire and endanger wildlife, too,” it said.
“Trees don’t vote, politicos should spare the trees of propaganda materials that can harm and even kill them.[]
Candidates should reject graffiti or vandalism to popularize their names,” it added.
For litter-free campaign meetings, sorties and related activities, the EcoWaste Coalition recommended the following:
• Shun throwing confetti, exploding firecrackers or releasing balloons and sky lanterns in campaign events.
• Refrain from using Styrofoam, plastic bags and other single-use containers for volunteers’ meals and drinks.
• Set up segregated waste bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable discards in campaign assemblies.[]
