The Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) discouraged putting up campaign posters on trees and asked the public to immediately report anyone who would violate this rule to their respective barangay officials.
According to PGENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida, they are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to monitor and identify areas with a high number of political posters. The goal is to prevent damage and preserve the trees in the province.
“We are reminding candidates and their supporters that when putting up posters, they should avoid nailing them to trees. Wounds caused by nails can invite pests and diseases, which could eventually kill the trees,” Peñaflorida said.
She further explained that nails can cause water to seep into the wounds, leading to rot and decay, which weakens or kills the tree.
PGENRO also advised the public not to remove posters themselves, but to report violations to barangay officials or the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
“We are actively monitoring these incidents and have instructed municipalities to keep a close watch on where posters are being placed,” Peñaflorida emphasized.
She observed that the northern part of Iloilo has the most number of political posters displayed along major roads.
Under Republic Act 3571 states it is illegal to cut, destroy, or damage trees, plants, and other vegetation along public roads, plazas, parks, and schools. Violators may face imprisonment of six months to two years or fines ranging from P500 to P5,000 under Presidential Decree 953.
Peñaflorida also shared plans to collaborate with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for “Oplan Baklas,” which will focus on removing political posters during the 2025 midterm elections.
She confirmed that PGENRO has the authority to remove posters immediately if they are nailed to trees or cause damage.
The office is conducting coordination meetings with MENROs in all 43 LGUs in Iloilo to ensure strict monitoring and inspection of areas for political posters or other materials that could harm trees.
While no specific schedule for “Operation Baklas” has been announced yet, PGENRO remains committed to protecting the province’s trees and enforcing compliance with environmental laws.
