Actions vs Illegally posted election materials readied

DAVAO CITY, Feb 12 (PIA) Officials of Environment offices in the city expressed readiness to enforce all laws relative to clean and orderly posting of campaign materials during elections.

Dolores Remojo, operations head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office said their agency has cleared with the Commission on Elections to involve them in the clean-up since parks which falls in their responsibility are also affected by the campaign litter.

She explained often their office gets the poll body’s clearance in order for them to get involved with the operation: baklas.

“We get the approval first from the Commission on Elections before we take down illegally posted election materials,” Remojo said.

Diony Serenoso, supervising ecosystem specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI asserted that they will enforce the prohibition of posting propaganda materials on trees now that the campaign period for the 2016 national and local elections heats up.

He said this prohibition is provided for in the Republic Act 3571, a law which RA 3571, a law that prohibits and punishes the cutting, destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic values along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any other public ground.

Serenioso said a corresponding information-education-campaign is currently done on the communities in line with this effort.

“Any violation of the law has a penalty of imprisonment from six months to six year,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)