A group advocating against waste and pollution on Monday called on individuals and party-list groups who will run in the 2025 national and local elections to keep public health and the environment in mind during their campaign.

In a statement, the EcoWaste Coalition renewed its call for environmental stewardship and sustainability in the electoral campaign as over 500,000 aspirants are expected to file certificates of candidacy (COCs) from Oct. 1 to 8 for more than 18,000 national and local elective posts.

“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,” EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

“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.”

Green campaign

Citing the importance of rules set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the group urged candidates to file COCs without fanfare, pollution, motorcade, and parade that cause traffic.

During the designated campaign period, candidates are also urged to reduce plastic use, avoid materials with hazardous chemicals, and shun practices such as nailing posters on trees.

The group said the candidates must take down their campaign materials for disposal or recycling after the polls on May 12, 2025.

Earlier, the Comelec said senatorial and party-list candidates should file their COCs at the Law Department Offsite Office at the Tent City of Manila Hotel.

Members of the House of Representatives for legislative districts in the National Capital Region (NCR) should file their COCs at the Office of the Regional Election Director-NCR Office.

COCs of candidates in legislative districts in the provinces should be filed at the concerned Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (OPES) or at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) designated by the Regional Election Director.

Individuals vying for the positions of governor, vice governor and members of the provincial council should file their COCs at the OPES.

Candidates for city and municipal mayors and vice mayors and members of the city and municipal councils should file their COCs at the OEO.

From Nov. 4 to 9, COC filing will continue for certain Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao district representatives, particularly for the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi. (PNA)