Speaker Velasco urges legislators to ensure peaceful, eco-friendly elections

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (shown here in a photo taken in the House plenary hall) appealed to his fellow lawmakers to help ensure peaceful and eco-friendly elections. ( Photo from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives)

MANILA, Philippines — Help ensure peaceful and eco-friendly elections, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco urged his colleagues on Wednesdays in his remarks as the House of Representatives adjourned days before the start of the campaign period.

“Let us seize this opportunity to implement meaningful change in the way we conduct our campaigns, in the way we honor the sanctity of the ballot, and in the way we are held accountable for what we achieved,” Velasco said.

He then asked House members to prefer presenting their political platforms on social media and media interviews so they could avoid mass gatherings that might only trigger COVID-19 infections.

Velasco also asked his colleagues to minimize producing waste that might worsen the country’s pollution.

“During our campaign, I hope we can cut down on plastic or tarpaulin and paper waste. Let us prevent a mountain of trash during election day,” he said.

The House is set to return on May 23 to June 3 prior to the sine die adjournment of the third and final session of the 18th Congress.

During that period, the House and the Senate will convene as the National Board of Canvassers tasked to proclaim the country’s incoming president and vice president.

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