Comelec to urge bets to run green campaigns

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) will look into making the use of recyclable and environment-friendly campaign materials mandatory in next year’s polls.

This is inspired by a resolution passed recently by the city council of General Santos City, according to Comelec Chair Andres Bautista.

“The Comelec commends the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City for passing Resolution No. 515, making the use of recyclable and environment-friendly campaign materials mandatory in the 2016 elections,” Bautista said in a recent press briefing.

“The Comelec will study the possibility of making it mandatory for all campaigns to use only recyclable and environment-friendly materials,” he said.

In 2013, the poll agency took a step in this direction when it urged candidates to consider the environment in preparing their campaign materials.

“[We] would like to assure the city council of GenSan that its resolution is very well taken,” Bautista said.

In Resolution No. 9615 issued for the May 2013 polls, the Comelec urged candidates to use recyclable and environment-friendly materials and avoid those containing hazardous substances in their campaign propaganda.

“In local government units where local legislation governing the use of plastic and other similar materials exist, parties and candidates shall comply with the same,” read the resolution.