Trees are not posts on which to nail or hang campaign materials.
The candidate who is promoted this way will be held liable for violating two national laws against damaging trees in public places, said officials.
Several main streets in Cebu City are considered hotspots of this type of illegal campaign ads, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, whose monitoring team has been making rounds since July this year.
Eddie Llamedo, DENR 7 spokesman, identified the vulnerable areas as Osmeña Boulevard, Escario Street, N. Bacalso Avenue, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, M. Velez Street and V. Rama Street.
A campaign poster of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was nailed to a tree in S. Osmena Road, Cebu City in this Oct. 12, 2015 file photo. It was later taken down.
In a press conference yesterday, Llamedo said the team hasn’t seen posters of local candidates violating this rule yet, but that there were some national candidates whose election paraphernalia were nailed on trees.
He said supporters took down the offending banners after being advised that they were unlawful.
“We wish to remind our candidates that putting up of streamers and tarpaulins on trees especially when using iron nails could severely or seriously damage the health of the trees,” said DENR 7 Regional Director Isabelo Montejo in a press statement.
Under Section 3 Republic Act 3571, no cutting, destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs along public roads in plazas, schools or any other public place shall be permitted.
Also under Presidential Decree No. 953, a similar ban includes a penalty of six months to two years imprisonment, or fine of P500 to P5,000 or both at the discretion of the court.
If the offender is a public officer or employee, he or she can be dismissed or perpetually disqualified from holding office.
Asked if the DENR 7 filed any charges against a candidate for violating the tree protection laws in the 2013 election or sent formal notices of warning, Llamedo told Cebu Daily News “No.”
“We urge our candidates to think and act green by not putting anything on trees that will injure or inflict harm on them as we need our trees to capture or absorb carbon dioxide which is one of the greenhouse gases,” said Montejo.
Nailing on a tree leaves holes that invite the attack of insects, fungi and disease, impairing the vigor and health of the tree.
A healthy tree is a source of oxygen, a trap for carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, provides shade, coolness and promotes a livable environment especially in congested, urban areas.
Llamedo said DENR wants to alert politicians and campaign staff about the prohibition.
If offending materials are found, they will be sent up to three notices to explain their side, and their names will be submitted to the Ombudsman and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for proper action.
Even if the candidate did not personally install the banner, he or she will be held liable for the violation, he said.