DENR Secretary Elisea Gozun urged candidates to use the common posting areas for campaign materials designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Gozun also instructed DENR employees to do their share in monitoring the illegal posting of campaign materials on trees by taking photographs and video footage to be used as evidence against the erring candidates.
According to Gozun, this is the only thing the DENR could do pending their request to the Comelec that they be allowed to remove campaign materials posted on trees and other protected areas.
Gozun said the DENR’s request is in line with section 2 of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9006 that was promulgated by the Comelec on Jan. 6, 2003.
The law prohibits the posting of campaign materials in public areas outside the designated common poster areas. It also bans the posting of campaign materials and posters on trees, bridges, public structures or buildings, electric posts, schools, churches and main streets.
According to Gozun, foresters usually note a sudden increase in tree infections six months after the end of the election period. Wounds in trees are inflicted by nails and staple wires used to attach campaign materials and posters.