Comelec Urges Candidates: Keep Campaigns Eco-Friendly

A Greener Election Campaign

In an official statement, Comelec Chairman George Garcia urged candidates and political parties to rethink their campaign strategies and minimize activities that contribute to environmental degradation.

“We have seen how past elections have led to mountains of campaign-related waste—clogging waterways, polluting communities, and causing unnecessary harm to our environment,” Garcia said. “This election, we are urging all candidates to take responsibility and commit to eco-friendly campaign initiatives.”

The Problem with Traditional Campaign Materials

Election seasons in the Philippines are often associated with streets lined with plastic posters, streamers, and confetti, many of which end up in landfills or as litter in public spaces. Non-biodegradable materials, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tarpaulins, pose serious risks to the environment as they do not decompose easily and can release toxic chemicals when burned.

Environmental groups have long criticized these campaign practices, citing the following concerns:

• Excessive use of plastic-based materials that contribute to pollution
• Poor disposal practices leading to clogged drainage systems and urban flooding
• Health risks from burning campaign waste, releasing harmful toxins into the air
• High energy consumption from large LED billboards and loudspeaker systems

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), millions of kilograms of waste were generated from election materials in 2019 and 2022, much of which remained uncollected or improperly disposed of in public areas.

Comelec’s Eco-Friendly Recommendations

To address these environmental concerns, Comelec has issued a set of green campaign guidelines, encouraging candidates to:

1. Use Recyclable and Biodegradable Materials – Candidates should opt for paper-based posters, reusable cloth banners, and biodegradable leaflets instead of plastic-based materials.
2. Limit Posters and Avoid Unlawful Posting – Campaign materials should only be placed in designated areas to prevent visual pollution and littering.
3. Digital and Social Media Campaigning – Instead of relying on printed materials, Comelec suggests that candidates maximize social media, online advertisements, and live-streamed events to reach voters without harming the environment.
4. Eco-Friendly Rallies and Events – Political gatherings should minimize waste by banning plastic utensils, cups, and giveaways, and should encourage the use of reusable items.
5. Clean-Up Drives After Campaign Events – Candidates are urged to organize community clean-ups following rallies and motorcades to ensure that public spaces remain clean and free from waste.

“We want to remind candidates that after the elections, they must be accountable for the waste their campaigns generate,” Garcia stated. “A responsible leader is someone who cares for the environment as much as they care for their people.”

Support from Environmental Advocates

Environmental groups have welcomed Comelec’s initiative, calling it a step toward sustainable election practices. EcoWaste Coalition, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that promotes zero waste, praised the commission’s call but also urged Comelec to implement stricter penalties for violators.

“We appreciate Comelec’s encouragement for green campaigning, but we also hope to see concrete action—such as the banning of PVC tarpaulins and stricter waste disposal policies,” said Aileen Lucero, the group’s national coordinator. “Candidates must understand that their duty to serve includes protecting the environment.”

Will Candidates Follow the Green Campaign Call?

Despite Comelec’s recommendations, enforcing eco-friendly campaign policies remains a challenge. Some political candidates have expressed concerns about costs and effectiveness, arguing that traditional campaign methods such as posters and flyers are still the most effective way to reach voters, especially in remote areas with limited internet access.

However, others have already committed to environmentally responsible campaigns. Several political parties have announced that they will focus on social media outreach, community forums, and digital campaign strategies instead of mass-producing printed materials.

“The younger generation of voters is more engaged online,” said Senatorial candidate Miguel Castillo. “We believe that a digital-first campaign is not only cost-effective but also better for the planet.”

Looking Ahead: A More Sustainable Future for Philippine Elections?

As the 2025 elections draw nearer, Comelec remains hopeful that political candidates will embrace eco-friendly campaign practices, setting a precedent for future elections. The commission also hinted at possible policy changes that could limit wasteful campaign materials in future election cycles.

In the meantime, voters are encouraged to support candidates who demonstrate environmental responsibility and to call out excessive waste during the campaign period.

“Our elections should not come at the cost of our environment,” Garcia concluded. “If we want a better future for our country, we must start by ensuring that even our political campaigns align with sustainable and responsible practices.”