CEBU CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 7 (Central Visayas) has warned candidates in the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and their supporters not to tack or nail campaign materials on trees.
The warning was issued Friday by DENR-7 Director Gilbert Gonzales who said that nailing campaign materials on trees not only damages the perennial plants but is also prohibited by law.
“This is to issue a reminder to all election candidates that putting up streamers and tarpaulins on trees, especially when using iron nails, could severely damage the health condition of trees,” Gonzales said in a statement dated Friday but released Saturday.
The trees must be protected and campaign materials, advertisements, or even public announcements should not be posted on them, he said.
“Doing so will impair the vigor and structural integrity of a tree as it invites attack by harmful insects, fungi, and diseases,” the environment official said.
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3571 prohibits 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 PHP500 to PHP5,000, or both at the discretion of the court.
Gonzales said he has already directed the enforcement division and all the provincial and community environment and natural resources offices (PENRO and CENRO) in Central Visayas to conduct “Operation Baklas” and issue warnings to candidates found violating the law.
He advised candidates and their supporters who have nailed campaign posters on trees to voluntarily remove them before the DENR, PENRO, or CENRO serves them a warning. (PNA)
