The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia warned all candidates who failed to remove their campaign materials, saying they may still face legal consequences despite the elections being over.
During their inspection of the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City, COMELEC were confronted with tons of campaign waste collected from just a single area of the city.
Based on COMELEC records, more than 65 tons of election-related trash have been gathered from various parts of National Capital Region (NCR) alone.
Garcia was disheartened to see that some candidates remain irresponsible even after the elections.
The commission reminded that under Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Election Act, candidates—whether they won or lost—are required to remove all their posted campaign materials within five days after the election period ends.
Garcia said failure to comply can result in legal charges.
“Ang sinasabi nga po natin bago magsimula sana ang kampanya yung mga kandidato mga political parties i-training man lang yung mga oplan kabit nila. Kasi una ‘yung mga nagkakabit kung saan saan na lag mailagay sabi na ngang huwag magpapako sa puno, kung makapako sa puno wagas,” Garcia said.
He further shared that the Comelec's Task Force Baklas continues to monitor violators nationwide, focusing on those who have not cleaned up after their campaigns.
Garcia also stressed that accountability doesn't end with the election.
"Yung mga ginawa pong kasalanan sa kasalukuyan pwede pa rin naming ituloy yun na kasalanan dahil sa pag nagfile na ng certificate of candidacy sa mga susunod," he stressed.
COMELEC urges all candidates to comply immediately and demonstrate responsibility—not just during the campaign period.
COMELEC Chairman emphasized that candidates will still be held accountable even if they did not win the election, as it is likely not the last time they will seek public office.
