Candidates Warned vs Nailing Campaign Materials on Trees

(PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) warned candidates for the May 2016 election against nailing their campaign materials on trees.

According to OIC –Chief of Planning and Management Division of DENR-7 Dr. Eddie Llamedo, Section 3 of RA 3571 states that no cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks other than national parks, school premises or in any other public ground shall be permitted.

Presidential decree 953 also provides a similar prohibition in section 3 mentioning a punishment of imprisonment for not less than six (6) months and more than two (2) years, or a fine of less than five hundred pesos and not more than five thousand pesos, or with both at the discretion of the court.

During the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) 7 Forum held at the PIA-7 Regional Office yesterday, Llamedo explained that putting up of streamers and tarpaulin on trees especially when using iron nails could severely damage the health condition of the trees.

“Trees are also living creatures that could get hurt or sick from infection, or die if left untreated for a long time,” he added.

DENR-7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a press statement urged 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.”

Meanwhile, Montejo ordered personnel of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) to closely monitor activities involving the placing of posters, advertisements or any material pierced on trees.

The department started their monitoring since June this year by noting down certain individuals or corporations who would be violating and advising them to remove the nailed materials or appropriate actions will be made in accordance with the law.

Llamedo also clarified that materials can still be posted on trees without piercing the trunk. (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7)