DILG to candidates, local officials : Remove campaign materials 

MANILA, Philippines — Local officials and candidates should help clean and remove campaign items as the election season nears its end, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.

“Tapos na po ang halalan at nakapili na ang mga mamamayan kung sino sa palagay nila ang karapat-dapat na magsagwan sa kanila tungo sa tunay na pagbabago. The immediate task at hand is to call on your supporters to clean up and rid our communities of poll trash,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Año said barangay officials and local government employees especially the Sanitation Division or Environmental Management Office should work together in the cleanup.

Año also expected that there will be “tons of trash” in roads, public places and polling precincts as candidates will leave their campaign materials there.

“Nakakalungkot na may mga taong sadyang walang pakialam at kahit saan na lang nagtatapon at nag-iiwan ng kanilang basura.  Kailan kaya tayo matututo?” he said.

Clean up schools

Schools, which served as polling precincts should also be cleaned before the opening of classes in June, Año said.

“We must clean up the schools and adjoining areas to prepare for the opening of classes in June,” Año said.

The Interior Secretary also asked the public to remove campaign materials as it might clog canals and waterways and cause flooding.

“Mas magiging malala ang sitwasyon kapag umulan dahil siguradong magdudulot ng baha ang basurang ikinalat natin kaya kumilos na agad tayo,” Año said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)