EcoWaste Coalition urges candidates to run ‘green’ campaigns

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MANILA — As the 2025 national and local elections approach, the EcoWaste Coalition has called on candidates to prioritize environmental protection during their campaigns, urging them to avoid generating excessive waste and pollution.

The watchdog group emphasized the importance of “greening” election campaigns to safeguard public health and the environment.

With over 500,000 candidates expected to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) from October 1 to 8, the group renewed its plea for sustainability.

“We appeal to all participating individuals, political parties, and party-list groups 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.

Lucero added, “We ask them to incorporate pressing environmental issues and concerns into their platforms and plans, conserve resources, and avoid wastage as they reach out and woo the electorate. Please green your campaign.”

Avoiding the ‘Garpol’ Label

The EcoWaste Coalition also warned against candidates becoming “garpols,” a term blending “garbage” and “politician.”

According to the group, a “garpol” is a politician who pays lip service to environmental protection but squanders resources and generates trash and pollution in pursuit of power.

The group encouraged candidates to avoid flashy, pollution-causing events, such as motorcades and parades, during the COC filing period.

“Observe the rules set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and please keep the COC filing simple and all filing venues litter-free,” Lucero urged.

Green Campaign Practices

During the campaign period, the EcoWaste Coalition recommended reducing the use of plastics and avoiding materials containing hazardous chemicals.

The group also discouraged environmentally harmful practices like nailing posters on trees and leaving campaign sites littered.

“Amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, please say no to dirty and wasteful campaigning,” the group emphasized.

The coalition also called on candidates to lead post-election clean-up efforts by removing campaign materials for recycling or proper disposal, regardless of election results.

Over 18,000 Posts Up for Grabs

The 2025 elections will decide more than 18,000 positions, including 12 Senate seats, 254 district representatives, and 63 party-list group seats.

Thousands of local positions, including governors, vice governors, city and municipal mayors, and provincial and municipal council members, are also up for election.

The EcoWaste Coalition’s call for environmentally responsible campaigns aligns with its long-standing advocacy for a zero-waste and toxics-free society.

As candidates gear up for the elections, the group hopes environmental stewardship will become a central aspect of their platforms and actions.

The filing of COCs for certain Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) district representatives is scheduled for November 4 to 9, covering the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Tawi-Tawi.