DAVAO CITY (February 2) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the immediate nationwide removal of politicians’ names, images, and other identifying marks from all government-funded projects, warning that local chief executives and agency heads will be held personally accountable for violations of the Anti-Epal policy.
In a memorandum issued to all provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials — including DILG regional and field offices — the department directed the swift takedown or correction of non-compliant project signages, tarpaulins, and markers, stressing that failure to comply may expose officials to administrative and audit sanctions.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the continued presence of “epal” signages reflects weak enforcement at the local level, despite clear legal prohibitions.
“Government programs are not personal billboards. These are funded by taxpayers and must reflect public service, not political credit-grabbing,” Remulla said, adding that LGU heads will answer for lapses within their jurisdictions.
Audit flags, disciplinary action
The directive is anchored on the 1987 Constitution’s principle that public office is a public trust, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and Commission on Audit (COA) rules that classify personalized project displays as unnecessary or disallowed expenses.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the inclusion of officials’ names and images in publicly funded projects is expressly prohibited, exposing erring offices to COA audit disallowances, refund orders, and possible administrative cases.
The DILG ordered regional directors and field officers to actively monitor compliance on the ground, rather than rely on post-audit findings, citing repeated violations particularly during pre-election periods.
Mindanao compliance under scrutiny
In Mindanao, where large infrastructure, social protection, and post-conflict rehabilitation projects are being rolled out, the DILG said regional offices will intensify inspections of LGU-implemented projects, especially in provinces with a history of prominently branded signages.
Local governance advocates in the region noted that “epal” displays are most visible in road projects, evacuation centers, health facilities, and cash-aid programs, raising concerns that public funds are being used to bolster political visibility rather than service delivery.
Barangay officials, who often inherit pre-installed signages, were reminded that continued display still constitutes a violation, regardless of when the materials were installed.
Public urged to report violations
The department reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep government projects free from personality branding and political self-promotion, encouraging citizens — particularly civil society groups and media in the regions — to report violations directly to DILG field offices.
“Public funds are for public service, not for personal publicity,” the DILG said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson expressed full support for the directive, warning that “epal” signages may also signal deeper procurement issues.
“This one I like and support unequivocally,” Lacson said in a post on X. “While surely there are no ghost billboards, most likely the ‘epal’ billboards are as overpriced as the projects.”
