With the Philippine midterm elections just a few days away, environmental justice group BAN Toxics once again reminded voters to keep in mind the protection of the environment in casting their vote. The group called on voters to be critical and analytical in selecting their candidate. “Look at the platforms and track record of the candidates, do not rely on popularity, partisan politics, and shallow gimmicks,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Advocacy and Campaign Officer.
Dizon urged the public to consider where candidates stand on key environmental issues. “Check if they’ve taken clear action on concerns like plastic pollution, waste reduction, support for renewable energy, and opposition to coal-fired power plants and controversial waste-to-energy projects. Have they stood against destructive extractive industries, or protected forests and biodiversity from large-scale logging and mining? What programs do they have to address the climate crisis? These are just some of the urgent issues that reflect a candidate’s genuine commitment to the environment, as they have direct and lasting impacts on our communities, public health, and the nation’s future,” he added.
The group also encouraged voters to consult the “Envibe Check,” a fact-checking study that reviewed the environmental stance of all senatorial candidates. The assessment was based on news reports and official documents reflecting the candidates’ public statements and records. Envibe Check was carried out by Panatang Luntian, a national campaign coalition of environmental groups and people’s organizations that promotes a platform for environmental rights and climate justice, and to which BAN Toxics is a part of.
Last month, BAN Toxics laid out its Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Agenda, which seeks to address the persistent threat of toxic chemicals to people’s everyday lives—threats that are largely overlooked by lawmakers and government officials—and the waste crisis that is escalating by the day. The agenda calls on political aspirants to prioritize critical issues related to chemicals and waste, such as stronger enforcement of regulations on toxic chemicals in consumer products, protection of children from environmental harm, and enhanced waste management policies to tackle the plastic crisis and e-waste. It also calls on politicians to further strengthen the government’s commitment to global environmental treaties.
“Let us cast aside the tired and old traditional partisan politics driven by dynastic loyalty, political favors, and empty slogans. This election, let us choose leaders who will stand for the environment and the people. Say no to polluters in power who protect harmful industries, ignore environmental violations, and put profit above public health. Vote for candidates who will defend our communities and our planet. Vote for Mother Earth,” Dizon concluded.
#2025midtermelections #toxicsfree #wastefree #PanatangLuntian
