TACLOBAN CITY -- Following the kick-off of the campaign period for national posts in the 2022 election, the Department of Environment and  Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas has reiterated its reminders for the public to refrain from posting campaign materials such as posters and streamers on trees.

“The candidates and their supporters should be mindful of the laws and policies regarding the prohibition of posting of election materials on trees,” DENR Regional Executive Director Tirso P. Parian Jr., said.

He explained that R.A. No.3571 prohibits the cutting, destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any other public pleasure ground.

He likewise stated that Section 3 of P.D.953 punishes violators with imprisonment of six (6) months to two (2) years, or a fine of not less than five hundred pesos (P500) and not more than five thousand pesos (P5,000), or with both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court.

Parian added that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through R.A. 9006 or the Fair Election Act, may authorize political parties to erect common poster areas for their candidates in public places but in no instance shall it designate as poster areas any trees, plants or shrubs along public roads.

“With the various ecological and health benefits that the trees provide, let us help each other in conserving and sparing our trees from any untoward acts against it. Cutting or injuring trees by posting or nailing election materialsare violations sanctioned by our laws not only this election period but in daily basis," said RED Parian. (RSCIG/DENR-8)