Present plans on waste management, poll bets told

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has urged national and local candidates in the May 9 elections to include solid waste management in their campaign platforms.

“The campaign period provides candidates for more than 18,000 national and local elective posts an opportunity to show their commitment to protecting the environment,” EcoWaste’s Zero Waste campaigner Jove Benosa said.

The group issued the statement as the country marks the 22nd anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act 9003 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act on Jan. 26, 2000.

“Implementing the law during the campaign and including it on their platforms is a concrete way for candidates to show their concern for environmental threats facing our communities,” Benosa said.

Benosa said the candidates must present their “comprehensive and systematic” plan on how they would manage and reduce solid waste if they get elected.

The group called on the candidates to reduce the generation of garbage and prevent littering, dumping and open burning of waste from caravans, sorties and rallies during the campaign period.

EcoWaste also challenged the candidates to signify their support for the adoption of best environmental practices in ecological solid waste management without incineration in accordance with RA 9003.

“Candidates for elective positions are expected to address issues affecting human health and the environment. For instance, we want to know their stand on the issue of plastic pollution,” Benosa said.