‘Epal’ politicians putting their face everywhere may face suspension
MANILA, Philippines — If you see your local leaders slap their faces on government projects, you may report it to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as this would violate its anti-epal guidelines.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, in a press briefing, said that many national projects will be brought to the local government level to curb extra costs caused by corruption.
The Department of Budget and Management further affirmed that the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) allows local government units (LGUs) more fiscal autonomy, with over P57.87 billion allotted for the Local Government Support Fund.
But with LGUs being granted more money and autonomy, could epal politicians keep their faces off vital government projects?
Remulla said that there are already anti-epal guidelines in place. Politicians must not put their names, photos, and logos on government projects.
“tyong anti-epal campaign, hindi ho sa amin nakasalalay iyan kung hindi sa mamamayan. I-report nila para magawan namin ng aksyon,” Remulla said in a press briefing.
(The anti-epal campaign, it is not just up to us but to the citizens. They should report it to us so we can act on it.)
Remulla said that politicians caught violating these anti-epal policies may face administrative sanctions, which may include suspension.
Suspension will likely be the heaviest punishment, but if an epal politician is a repeat offender, the case may be referred to the Ombudsman, Remulla said.
The DILG will study the possibility of creating something similar to the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” initiative but for the DILG.
Remulla said that it was time for the creation of legislation to address epal politics.
“We do not have a codified conduct for the Anti-Epal campaign. And it will be a great help if the national legislature made steps to completely ban it,” the DILG chief said.
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