MANILA, April 21 -- The Quezon City government strongly urged political candidates to refrain from using tarpaulins and other election paraphernalia made of plastic as it intensifies its environmental drive.

Under City Ordinance No. SP 2202, enacted in 2013, the use of polyethylene or plastic-made tarpaulins and posters, both for political and business-related campaigns, is strictly prohibited within the city.

In a news release on Monday, Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the long-term environmental consequences of plastic pollution, noting that "plastic posters, even those that are torn into pieces, usually clog creeks and tributaries thereby increasing the risk of flooding."

"We are calling on political aspirants to think about the long-...