DAVAO CITY (June 25) — Mayor Sebastian Duterte has ordered the removal of all billboards and signage bearing the names, initials, or images of government officials through Executive Order No. 9, Series of 2025, citing the widespread “misuse and abuse” of public properties for personal promotion.
The EO highlights how such practices divert credit away from taxpayers who fund government projects. It reaffirms DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101, which prohibits government officials from placing their names or images on government programs, projects, and properties. It also aligns with the Anti-Epal Act of 2019, which penalizes such actions.
Mayor Duterte instructed the City Engineer’s Office, City Environmental and Natural Resources Office, and Public Safety and Security Office to inspect all government projects city-wide. Any signage violating the policy will be taken down.
According to the circular, government signage should only include the project name and location, contractor, start and end dates, and the official seal or name of the local government unit. The order also references DILG Legal Opinion No. 71, Series of 2011, which urges all local chief executives to review and enforce this policy strictly.
