MANILA, Philippines – Civil society organizations urged 2019 candidates to veer away from waste and embrace a green platform this election season.

Green Thumb Coalition (GTC) said on Friday, January 18, candidates should commit to advance policies in promoting the environment, sustainable development, and people’s welfare.

“Apart from their promises, their campaign practices reveal their loyalty – or lack of loyalty – to our environment and our people,” Paeng Lopez of Health Care Without Harm and GTC said.

Meanwhile, Tony Dizon of EcoWaste Coalition urged candidates to refrain from using unsustainable materials like tarpaulins, as it generates piles of waste during their sorties.

“This is not a good sign that such candidates, once elected, will truly fulfill their responsibilities as good stewards of the environment,” Dizon said.

The coalition also urged voters to look at candidates’ track record and check if there are allegations of harassment, violence, or bribery against them.

GTC also encouraged candidates to align their platform with solutions to issues concerning dirty and costly energy, waste management, comprehensive land use, mining, climate justice, and biodiversity, collectively known as the green electoral platform.

Alyansa Tigil Mina said they will look into campaign donors and release a list of candidates who were funded by miners during the past elections. – Rappler.com