Poll bets warned: Observe environmental laws or else

By Erwin Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources warned all candidates in the May 2019 mid-term election to strictly abide by environmental laws with regards the posting and distribution of election materials.

Juan Miguel Cuna, DENR Undersecretary for field operations, said in statement that the DENR and local government units will strictly enforce all environmental laws in connection with the election period and will penalize those who will violate these rules.

“They (candidates) should follow all ordinance on solid waste management, ayon sa batas kung sino nagkabit ng posters siya rin ang mag-aalis. Admittedly, hindi ito nasusunod sa mga nagdaang election pero that should be strictly enforced now by the DENR and local government units. LGUs should ensure that if the violation is in their jurisdiction they should enforced the law,” Cuna said during an interview at the DENR regional office here.

Senatorial and party-list candidates will start campaigning on February 12, while Congressmen, provincial and municipal candidates will campaign on March 30.

Cuna said that the nailing of posters and election materials on trees is strictly prohibited, and there will be corresponding criminal charges for all violators.

“Pahalagahan ang mga puno natin. May mga kandidato at kanilang mga supporters ang nagpapako ng mga posters nila sa mga puno but this is in violation of our laws,” Cuna said who was the guest speaker during the turn over ceremony of new DENR regional director here.