An environmental watchdog on Tuesday conducted post-election cleanup to send candidates a “strong” message about political accountability and environmental responsibility.

A day after the midterm elections, volunteers from the EcoWaste Coalition removed campaign materials around the Flora Ylagan High School along Malakas Street corner V. Luna Avenue in Quezon City. They were joined by community helpers and workers from the Quezon City Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works.

Crisanto Luague, the coalition’s Zero Waste Campaigner, reminded national and local candidates not just to clean up after the elections but also to comply with election-related waste regulations.

“Candidates should not disappear after Election Day. The mess they leave behind speaks volumes and the least they can do is clean it up,” he said.

Luague said widespread litter of campaign posters, tarpaulins, and streamers is a recurring problem every election season.

“Win or lose, candidates must take the lead in post-election cleanups and demonstrate true leadership by taking responsibility for the waste they generated,” he said, adding that the “cycle of waste and neglect has to end.”

“If candidates truly want to lead, they must show that they can also clean up after themselves and protect the environment while doing so.”

The EcoWaste Coalition appealed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government to coordinate with the local government units to ensure proper implementation of post-election cleanup rules.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through Task Force Baklas 2025, has reminded candidates that the official campaign period for the May 12 elections ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 10 and campaign materials should have been removed by midnight of May 11.

The poll body also ordered immediate cleanup efforts in public and private areas. (PNA)