‘Spare the trees’ - DENR-CAR, COMELEC tell politicians to stop using trees as billboards

Tabuk City, Kalinga - As the election season ramps up across the Cordillera region, a quieter but pressing concern is emerging - trees are being harmed by careless campaign practices. 

Nailed, tied, and smothered in campaign materials, trees are bearing the burden of irresponsible political advertising. Thus, in response, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Cordillera is urgently calling on candidates and supporters to stop using trees as billboards. 

During a recent “ Operation Baklas,” a joint task force made up of DENR, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police found many campaign materials nailed directly to the trees—an act that not only violates election rules but also inflicts serious environmental harm. 

With that, DENR-CAR Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Benjamin Ventura, during the recent Regional Joint Security Control Center Command Conference at the Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet, reminds political aspirants in the region, as well as their supporters, to spare trees from posters. 

“There should be protection of our trees from these campaign materials,” said Ventura, as quoted by the Philippine Information Agency–CAR. 

Why is tree posting harmful? 

While it might seem harmless, nailing or tying posters to trees punctures their bark—the protective layer of a tree. Damaging its natural defense system will make a tree vulnerable to disease, pests, and decay. Over time, it can kill a tree or drastically reduce its health. 

Legal grounds against tree posting 

The DENR and its partner agencies’ appeal is not only a moral call but a legal one. As cited, COMELEC’s Resolution No. 10730 , implementing the Fair Election Act (RA No. 9006), clearly outlines designated areas for campaign materials, and trees are not one of them. 

The rule is reinforced by RA No. 3571, which prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of trees and ornamental plants in public spaces, and Presidential Decree No. 953, which penalizes the unauthorized destruction of trees and vegetation. 

Thus, political candidates in the region are being reminded by the said agencies to lead by example - not just in their platforms but in how they campaign - to avoid legal consequences. 

Under the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881), candidates found guilty of election offenses, including the unlawful posting of campaign materials on trees, will face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 6 years without the possibility of probation. They will also be disqualified from holding public office and deprived of their right to vote. Political parties may be fined at least P10,000.