The EcoWaste Coalition has urged all 2025 election candidates to prioritize environmental sustainability throughout their campaigns. With over 500,000 candidates expected to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) from October 1 to 8, 2024, the group stressed the need for eco-friendly practices.
“We appeal to all participating individuals, political parties, and party-list groups and their supporters to show they truly care for Mother Earth and her people by giving environmental protection due importance in thoughts, words, and deeds,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.
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The watchdog group, advocating for zero waste and toxics-free elections, warned candidates against becoming a “garpol,” a term combining “garbage” and “politician,” referring to those who contribute to pollution and waste.
EcoWaste called on candidates to:
- avoid extravagant COC filing events
- follow COMELEC guidelines and keep the process pollution-free
- reduce plastic use
- avoid harmful materials
- refrain from environmentally damaging practices like nailing posters on trees or leaving trash at campaign sites.
“Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, please say no to dirty and wasteful campaigning,” Lucero emphasized.
MORE: 10 Tips for a Waste-Free Elections Campaign
Following the May 12, 2025, polls, candidates are urged to lead clean-up efforts without being prompted, ensuring campaign materials are safely recycled or disposed of.
Up for election in 2025 are 18,000 national and local posts, including 12 senators, 254 district representatives, and 63 party-list groups, among others.
EcoWaste reminds candidates filing their COCs to follow COMELEC’s venue guidelines, with certain regions like BARMM extending the filing period to November 4-9.
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