PERSONNEL of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Pampanga, in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Guagua launched “Oplan Alis Poster on Trees” in line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources initiative of removing illegally posted campaign materials in line with 2021 National and Local Elections.

Penro-Officer Laudemir Salac said the operations anchored on Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3571 prohibit the cutting, destroying, or injuring of trees along public roads, in parks, schools, and other public areas. A similar prohibition is provided under Presidential Decree No. 953, which penalizes a violator of imprisonment from six months to two years, or a fine of P500 to P5,000, or both at the discretion of the court.

Penro-Pampanga personnel led the removal of posters along major thoroughfares of the town particularly those posted on trees.

Penro-Salac is urging candidates to minimize the use of plastic in the creation of their campaign posters.

According to a recent study, it takes over 450 years for plastic to break down. Campaign materials usually made of plastic could end up in the oceans or might be ingested by such marine species as sea turtles.

Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code also penalizes candidates found posting on prohibited locations, such as trees, with imprisonment of a maximum of six years, and shall be disqualified to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.

Meanwhile, Republic Act 3571 imposes a penalty of maximum of six years prison correctional to whoever is caught destroying or injuring planted or growing trees along public roads, plazas, parks, school premises or in any public ground.