THE Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro) of the local government unit of San Simon recently initiated the removal of election tarpaulins and other materials posted on trees ahead of the forthcoming campaign season.
Menro head Melchor Tayag led the activity dubbed “Oplan Baklas” held initially in barangays Dela Paz, Sta. Monica, and San Pablo Libutad in an aim to protect trees from destruction and being used for political advertisements.
Tayag said that the activity is also pursuant to Republic Act No. 3571 which prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted and growing trees and flowering plants along public roads and places.
“By nailing election posters and paraphernalia on trees, they are being injured and impaired, and that is prohibited under our national law. Let us spare our trees from political campaign advertisements,” Tayag said in a statement.
Moreover, the Commission on Elections, under its rules and regulation for the campaign season, also prohibits the posting of trees in several places, among them on trees.
Tayag said that they will also check on and conduct Oplan Baklas in the remaining 11 barangays of this town before the campaign season officially kicks-in to ensure that trees are spared from any election propaganda.