Ban on confetti, fireworks urged

TO REDUCE the trash and pollution generated during a campaign period, environmental groups have asked the Commission on Elections to ban the use of confetti and fireworks in campaign rallies and bar motorcades in cities.

EcoWaste Coalition members trooped to the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, early on Monday ahead of those filing their certificates of candidacy.

They urged the Comelec to be “proactive” in disciplining candidates who disregard the environment, pointing out that in past elections, candidates and their supporters ignored electoral rules against putting up posters on trees and the advice to use recyclable and environment-friendly campaign materials.

This year, EcoWaste asked the poll body to ban or at least regulate motorcades, especially in urban centers to lessen traffic congestion and air pollution.

“While not legally forbidden, we ask the Comelec to join us in asking all candidates and their supporters to desist from throwing confetti, exploding firecrackers and releasing balloons and sky lanterns during their campaign activities for health and safety concerns,” the group said in their petition.

EcoWaste also urged the Comelec to require candidates to sign a formal agreement to comply with environment-friendly campaign practices and clean up their campaign materials immediately after the elections. Donna Z. Pazzibugan