Penro Joselito Blanco. Photo by Armand Galang
PALAYAN CITY – A ranking environment official here on Wednesday called on supporters of political parties against nailing campaign materials on trees, whether planted or naturally grown.
Provincial environment and natural resources officer Joselito Blanco explained that nailing anything on trees violates Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 953.
“Sinasabi rito na damaging or injuring naturally grown or planted trees of any kind is punishable with imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than two years or fine of not less than P500 or not more than P5,000 or both,” Blanco said.
They have been checking reports that some posters or tarpaulins, including those of business establishments, are being nailed on trees, he said.
The environment official further explained that the punctured part would serve as entry point for fungi to eventually kill the tree.
“Nanawagan tayo sa mga supporter ng mga kandidato na huwag magpako sa mga puno,” Blanco said, noting that politicians themselves may not be aware of their supporters’ work.
