QC to bets: Polyethene posters banned

The Quezon City government on Friday reminded candidates in the upcoming elections of a local ordinance prohibiting the use of polyethene or thin plastics in advertisement and propaganda materials.

Enacted in 2013, the ordinance said the use of plastic posters during election season “creates significant litter problems in the city and sometimes clogs up canals and sewerage systems that cause floods.”

It specifically banned the use of polyethene, which is different from the thicker polyvinyl chloride or PVC type that is commonly used for tarpaulins.

Under the measure, persons or businesses that use polyethene or thin plastics in their advertisement materials will receive a notice of violation for the first offense; a fine of P3,000 and community service of three days for the second offense; and a P5,000 fine and a three-day community service for the third offense.

Corporations violating the ordinance will receive a notice for the first offense; a P3,000 fine for the second offense; and a P5,000 fine and revocation of the mayor’s permit to operate for the third offense.

Richard Santuile, action officer of the city’s Task Force Solid Waste Management, noted that plastic advertising and campaign posters are among the most frequently collected during their cleanup activities.

“Due to the volume needed during election season, plastic posters are everywhere as they are cheaper than PVC. But these are also the materials that litter the city for years after the elections are over,” he said.

Elmo San Diego, head of the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety, said they have already confiscated 24 truckloads of advertisements that violate policies, including the ban on plastic.

While candidates may claim their confiscated PVC tarpaulins within five days, the city government said all other plastic paraphernalia will be turned over for recycling under the trash to cashback program of the city’s climate change and environmental sustainability department.

The local government urged residents to report violations, by filing a complaint through hotline 122.