Polling Precincts Show Remarkable Cleanliness
Zero-waste advocates reported that polling precincts during Eleksyon 2025 were generally litter-free, marking a significant improvement compared to previous elections. This positive outcome is credited to the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) eco-friendly campaign efforts, which included providing trash bags and bins in busy areas and maintaining continuous cleaning within polling centers.
“For sure, there were bits and pieces of trash in the school premises. But it was unlike past elections when littering was more evident as if litterbugs were having a party,” said Zero-Waste Campaigner Cris Lague.
Challenges Remain Near Voting Centers
Despite the overall cleanliness of polling precincts, the group expressed concern over the litter scattered around sidewalks and street corners close to voting locations. Much of this waste consists of campaign materials and single-use food packaging, which continue to pose environmental challenges.
Monitoring Across Multiple Locations
The coalition conducted thorough monitoring in over 40 schools across various cities and provinces, including Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Quezon City, Orani in Bataan, Batangas City, Marilao in Bulacan, Calamba City in Laguna, San Antonio in Nueva Ecija, San Mateo in Rizal, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato.
Call for Post-Election Cleanup and Responsibility
The group reiterated its call for all candidates, regardless of the election outcome, to actively participate in nationwide post-election clean-up efforts. This is vital to achieving a truly “basura-free” election and lessening the environmental impact of campaigns.
“We call on all political parties, party-list groups and candidates to take full responsibility for the environmental impact of their campaigns by ensuring the proper retrieval, clean-up and management of their campaign materials,” Lague added.
For more updates on Eleksyon 2025, visit Filipinokami.com.