DILG bans politicians' names, photos on CCT posters

MANILA, Philippines - Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo has issued a memorandum circular reminding local government officials that they are prohibited from putting their names and photographs on posters and streamers related to the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps).

In the circular issued last Tuesday, Robredo stressed that the poverty reduction program intends to improve the quality of lives of poor families in the barangays.

“In the spirit of good governance, transparency and accountability in the implementation of poverty reduction programs of the national government, the display of photos/pictures and names of government officials in posters/streamers in the announcement of CCT or 4Ps-related activities are hereby prohibited,” said the circular.

Robredo said that with the absence of a law prohibiting such acts, including the proposed Senate Bill 1967 of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, better known as the “Anti-Epal Law,” the DILG could not immediately sanction erring local officials.

“This is more of a reminder and a warning. We cannot sanction them immediately but we can take down the streamers that have their names and photos,” he said.

Robredo, in his circular, has directed all DILG regional directors to see to it that the circular is followed.

“So far there is compliance,” Robredo said.