Cebu City backs anti-epal policy

‎CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival fully supports the anti-epal policy implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

This policy directs politicians not to put their names and photos on state-funded projects, said Archival who stated that he has been practicing this policy even before the DILG announced its directive.

‎‎"Happy ana because ang Syudad sa Sugbo wala man gyud ta nag-practice og butang og mga ngan," said Mayor Archival.

In a press conference on Monday, February 2, 2026, Archival said the city government has never allowed the display of officials’ names on public projects or city-owned vehicles. ‎"Wala pa gani siya nagsulti, ato naman na’ng gihimo," the Mayor added.

‎He said the policy was already in place in Cebu City even before the DILG formally issued the directive.

‎Archival added that he is also encouraging members of the City Council to support the measure, noting that it is a directive from the DILG and part of broader efforts to uphold good governance.

‎Last week, Cebu City Councilor Sisinio “Bebs” Andales filed a proposed “Anti-Epal Ordinance” that seeks to prohibit public officials from placing their names, images, logos, or other personal identifiers on government-funded projects, facilities, vehicles, and public properties.

‎The proposed ordinance aims to curb self-promotion by public officials and emphasizes that government programs and projects should be credited to institutions and the public rather than to individual personalities.

‎Under the proposal, prohibited acts include the display of officials’ names or likenesses on government-funded materials, public signage, relief goods, and communication platforms such as press releases, advertisements, and social media posts.

‎Exceptions would be allowed for official office designations, government seals, council-approved institutional logos, and information required by law. The measure forms part of the city’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

‎Violators would face escalating penalties, ranging from written reprimands and the removal of prohibited materials to fines of up to ?5,000 and possible administrative sanctions.

‎Implementation and enforcement would be led by the Office of the City Mayor, with assistance from the City Legal Office, the City Public Information Office, and barangay officials.

‎Andales said public projects are funded by taxpayers and should not be used for personal or political gain.

‎Earlier, the DILG issued a nationwide directive ordering all government offices and local government units to immediately remove the names, photos, and likenesses of public officials from state-funded projects. ‎

‎The directive, issued through a memorandum circular and posted on the DILG’s official social media platforms on January 31, 2026, instructed provincial, city, municipal, and barangay officials to ensure that no form of personal branding appears on taxpayer-funded signage, markers, tarpaulins, or similar materials.

‎Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said government programs are intended to serve the public and should never be used for personal promotion.

‎“Government programs are not personal billboards,” the DILG said in a statement, stressing that public funds must reflect public service rather than political self-interest.

‎The memorandum cited the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, Commission on Audit regulations that classify personalized displays as unnecessary expenses, and the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which explicitly prohibits attaching officials’ names or images to government-funded projects.

‎The DILG directed all concerned officials and employees to immediately remove or correct non-compliant materials, adding that heads of offices will be held accountable for full and prompt compliance.

‎The department also echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to keep government projects free from political self-promotion and encouraged the public to report violations of the Anti-Epal policy.

‎“Public funds are meant for public service, not for personal publicity,” the DILG said. — (FREEMAN)