Tarpaulins hanging from the trees and other campaign materials Laban Lino were everywhere in Taguig.
Lino Cayetano criticized over his tarps everywhere in Taguig
FORMER Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano faced criticism from netizens and environmental groups after his tarpaulins bearing the slogan “LABAN LINO” were seen posted on trees and were seen everywhere in various barangays in Taguig.
Many condemned the use of trees for tarpaulins, citing Republic Act No. 3571, which prohibits activities that can damage trees in public areas. Violators of this law can face six months to two years of imprisonment and a fine of P₱500 to ₱5,000, or both, as determined by the court.
“Besides destroying the cleanliness and order of our environment, putting posters on trees is also harmful to their health. Can’t campaigning be more responsible without harming the environment? I hope this will be taken action so that we can protect our environment,” commented Krisha Hernandez on Facebook.
The zero-waste advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition also expressed concern about vandalizing trees with tarpaulins and campaign posters ahead of the elections.
“Ang paglalagay ng mga tarpaulin at iba pang campaign material sa mga puno ay hindi lamang nakakaapekto sa kalusugan ng mga ito kundi nagpapalala rin ng problema sa basura sa ating kapaligiran. Ang ganitong uri ng pagkakalat ay isang paglabag sa mga batas na naglalayong protektahan ang kalikasan at sumisira sa kagandahan ng ating mga lansangan. Nananawagan kami sa mga kandidato at kanilang mga taga-suporta na iwasan ang ganitong gawain, pangalagaan ang mga puno, at isaalang-alang ang mga alternatibong pamamaraan ng pangangampanya na hindi nakakapinsala sa kalikasan,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.
Last Sunday, the Election Registration Board (ERB) of Comelec-Taguig City rejected Lino Cayetano and his wife Fille’s request to transfer their voter registration from the Second District to the First District of Taguig-Pateros. The ERB’s 24-page resolution cited insufficient evidence submitted by the couple to prove their residence at Pacific Residences, Brgy. Ususan.
As a result, the Cayetanos’ voter registration remains in Brgy. Fort Bonifacio, where they currently reside and voted in the 2023 Barangay and SK elections.
Some netizens didn’t hesitate to use Cayetano’s slogan to highlight the lack of evidence supporting his district transfer:
“Laban, Lino. Magpakita ka ng valid government ID na ang address ay Pacific Residences!” wrote Emily Villaba.
“Laban Lino! Alamin mo ang kalye kung saan ka nakatira!” added Bernardo Lazaro.
“Laban Lino! I-give up mo na ang super sosyal na condo mo sa Essensa BGC!” quipped Eduardo Ordoñez.
Others took a more serious tone, like Analyn Santos, who said, “Ang mga ito ay basura — katulad ng paglipat mo sa District 1 na ibinasura ng Comelec!”
