DENR tells candidates to remove campaign materials from trees within 72 hours

By: Michelle Joy L. Padayhag - 9 years ago

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a 72-hour notice to all candidates to remove all campaign materials on trees effective today.

The notice signed by DENR Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo came as the agency coordinated with environmental lawyers and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to file charges against violators.

Republic Act 3571 states there should be no cutting or injuring of trees or plants.

Federico Carreon, Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) chief, said nailing on trees can kill and weaken the trees.

Violators will be meted with imprisonment of at least six months and a fine ranging from P500 to more than half a million pesos.