The mayors of Bacolod and Victorias have ordered the cleanup of campaign materials in their cities.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he ordered a cleanup on Tuesday, May 13, the day after the elections.
Benitez directed the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office to lead the city’s “Operation Baklas” and to turnover the collected campaign materials for recycling.
The Bacolod Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has started removing the campaign materials.
The Bacolod DRRMO, Commission on Elections and Negros Power are also set to conduct a joint cleanup on Saturday.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez on Wednesday also urged all candidates in his city to remove campaign materials – such as tarpaulins, posters, streamers, and other forms of political advertising-that were placed in public and private spaces, starting Wednesday until May 19.
“As part of our shared responsibility to maintain the cleanliness, orderliness, and aesthetic integrity of our city, we urge you and/ or your good office to initiate the complete removal of said materials within five days upon receipt of this letter”, he told the candidates.
The directive applies to all campaign materials, whether placed personally or by supporters and campaign volunteers, regardless of location, especially those found on trees, electric posts, public buildings, and other unauthorized areas, he said.
“We trust in your cooperation and commitment to this civic duty as we move forward from the elections and refocus our efforts toward community development and unity,” the Victorias mayor added.*